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.
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