A Way to Develop The Heart

The purpose of Aikido is not to create opponents or to engage in win lose competitions with others. It is a way to develop the heart:to cultivate, together with others,a heart of harmony,a heart of love,and a heart of gratitude.The true purpose of Aikido is to make a contribution to the world with this spirit.

Motomichi Anno Sensei

Aiki is Love

Aiki is love.It is the path that brings our hearts into oneness with the spirit of the universe to complete our mission in life by instilling in us a love and reverence for all of nature."

Morihei Ueshiba, The Founder of Aikido

Life: The Ultimate Black Belt Test: Fall Seven times, Stand up Eight!

At a recent Aikido seminar four Aikidoists were called up to give a brief demonstration and were then presented their Godan (Fifth Dan) Certificates. An observer was heard to remark “that was an easy test.”

The Godan rank is actually the first rank to be awarded not by a “test” but upon recommendation by the student’s Sensei (teacher). The Sensei must write a letter of recommendation to the leader (the grandson of the founder of Aikido) of Aikido’s International Organization explaining why the student is deserving of the honor.

The student’s first Aikido class may have been 25 or 35 years ago and yet their time on the mat is not the only factor in receiving this honor. As one can imagine during this time of Aikido practice perhaps even the lifetime of other students on the mat, the Aikidoist has received injuries and disappointments both on and off the mat and yet they return to practice and share with others what they have experienced through the art of Aikido.

They are living examples of the Founder’s exhortation to:

 “practice in a joyful manner!”

It is this dedication to the art of peace and their ability to harmonize the demands of everyday life and Aikido training that earns them the right to receive the Godan certificate.

It is their ability to experience the sorrows of life and yet live life in a joyful manner, to as the old Japanese Proverb states “Fall Seven times, Stand up Eight” that allows them to successfully participate in the ultimate black belt test, which is life itself.

The Source of Aikido Techniques

He told us: "Aikido originally didn't have any form. 

The movements of the body in response to one’s state of mind became the techniques." 

(Rinjiro Shirata Sensei discussing Aikido instruction from O' Sensei)

Gozo Shioda 2

Here is a nice video collection of Gozo Shioda Sensei. Enjoy!

Thanks to Stan Pranin & Aikido Journal for hooking us up.

Aikido's Ultimate Technique

“So then, what do you think Aikido’s ultimate technique might be?

 It is the ability to be at peace with your opponent 

by inducing him to abandon his animosity toward you.”

 Gozo Shioda