O'Sensei developed the art and left many artefacts including the name to
reflect accurately its purpose and direction. Basically ...
- Aikido is the way (do) of harmony or love (ai) with the energy (ki) of
the universe.
- Aikido is a budo (martial way) of love and its purpose is to unite the
people of the world.
Attitude | Respect
| Bowing | Responsiveness
| Personal Appearance
One needs to embrace the principals of Aikido and dedicate oneself to the
process of refinement of the self. This will be seen in:
- a desire to look further into the principles and not just the techniques,
- a desire to make use of what is learnt in one's life,
- being early for class (it creates cohesion of the class for all members),
- a spirit of cooperation rather than competition,
- a willingness to endure tough times,
- a willingness to be of service both on and off the mat,
- a willingness to be diligent with procedures,
- to be respectful and maintain a balanced personality,
- to speak openly and honestly and supportively (particularly in constructive
criticism).
Respect is avoidance of all degrading aspects of martial arts by its
members, and in daily life in general.
Acknowledge order, i.e., those with more seniority.
Bowing is an extension of gratitude and respect to that which you bow to.
Bowing should be done with the correct posture and feeling and is considered
and felt as an insult if not done with proper integrity. Understanding and
practice of the appropriate Ki tests will help you develop this technique and
overcome possible embarrassment or misunderstandings.
Be alert, move swiftly and calmly.
Be aware of what's required, i.e. open windows, clean mats and dojo, pay fees,
follow etiquette, etc.
Take responsibility - don't leave things for others, be early and ready to
help, think of others.
Keep your dogi clean and tidy.
Keep your body clean and tidy.
Keep your language clean and respectful.
Keep talking to a minimum and appropriate especially when training.
Keep your mind free and alert.
Do not wear rings or jewellery, etc. while training.
Wear shoes to and from the mat (but not on the mat).
To develop the understanding of correct etiquette technique, feeling and
attitude:
- Unbendable arm
- Unliftable body with ki tests
- Sitting position with ki test
- Bow in standing position with ki tests
- Sit, kneed, stand with ki test and reverse
- Correct stance with ki tests
- Walking with ki tests.
etc.
Basically ki tests can be done at any stage of any posture or movement.
Students should be able to have a basic understanding so they can develop
their own tests and thus enable their own development of correct etiquette and
Aikido itself.
Make sure you have an understanding of at least those listed above.
