AikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy." as activity: I conjure a clear mental picture of teacher and students lining up and bowing in. This concept of aikido practice is, for me, the simplest way to envision my relationship with aikido. Go to the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall, do aikido, go home. I admit it, I also think about aikido outside of the dojo. I imagine an attacker around the next corner, straighten my spine while in the car or at my desk, and wonder what nearby object could be used as a weapon. But that’s just for fun. As easy and comfortable as it is to leave it right there… I know it is a forced simplification; the first line of defense employed by my small-self against an idea so overwhelming it refuses to be ignored. This is why I’m here, isn’t it? The answer was clear when the question was rhetorical. Now here it is… right in front of me, all around me, inside of me, waiting for me to say yes. Is this really what I’m struggling with? What am I holding on to?

mu

AikidoThe word "Aikido" is made up of three japanese characters: ai - harmony, ki - spirit, mind, or universal energy, do - the way. Thus Aikido is "the way of harmony with universal energy." as work: I have a bigger idea about my practice of aikido. The practice of aikido is like the practice of medicine. Similar to a doctor’s practice, the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall is an aikido practice. A ‘practice’ is the activity professionals engage in as they go about the business of their profession: operating a business, building a clientele, gaining and maintaining the respect of their peers, applying the skills and experience gleaned from an intensive study of a generally accepted body of knowledge.

MU!

Aikido as life: Having a practice is letting aikido pervade our life. Taking responsibility for our own training is only the first step. We must then sustain the commitment across the changing circumstances and attitudes that impact our life. Training is not a matter of convenience, it is an imperative. We no longer merely survive the difficult seminar, the dressing down, or the obligation. We allow it to penetrate our defenses, grind down the rough edges, and expose even more of our raw self. Most importantly, our practice is the firm ground on which others may stand to begin their own journey in the art and nurture their own practice.