To me, the commitment of a martial artist is more subtle and less obvious than simple, continued, persistent effort. Open-hearted in every moment, a martial artist is willing to adapt as necessary, reverse course, or completely let go of everything even unto death. Time invested in conventional commitments is of no consequence, whether it’s in a job, a career, a marriage, or the study of an art. Fear of the loss of long-held ideas (lifestyle) can feel just as terrifying as a real death and is confronted head on. This is a commitment of a higher priority, to that of unconditional presence. 

A martial artist clings to nothing and so is not bound to a continuum of growth through efforts and practice. The simple act of being engaged in the study of 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." does not necessarily make us martial artists. This truth makes no distinction between beginner and advanced practitioners, so we can never be complacent about it.

I have now been training in Aikido for twenty-six years and a chief instructor for nineteen of them. I’ve approached the mat with enthusiasm as well as dread. My practice has given me many rewards and insights but also times of deep suffering and despair. Along the way I have indulged in self-satisfaction as well as self-loathing. I have at times felt righteous in my point of view and convinced that certain situations were unjust. For a chief instructor there is no relief if he/she is willing to keep the dojoPlace of the way; a place for strengthening and refinement body, mind and spirit; training hall doors open through the chaos, ups and downs, successes and failures, in their relationship with the art and their students. Cutting through the forest of ideas and feelings, the entanglements of hopes and fears, remaining focused in the present moment to see clearly what “is” and not what we think “should” be.

Long time Aikido practitioners, no matter who we are, can expect the trial of loneliness; of feeling unappreciated, unneeded, stuck and frustrated, bored and bereft. Whatever events lead us to it, it’s important to realize that this is part of the human experience and not just reserved for Aikidoists. Perseverance in the art reveals it, but in fact it’s been there all along. To pass through is to see ourselves clearly, accept what we fear most, let go of the self: our selfimportance, self-involvement, our self-saving attitude. Not easy to do.

In my opinion, commitment without the willingness to be self effacing in every moment, in every aspect of our lives, is just brutishness. Our path is a razor’s edge where we must learn to see for ourselves if our commitment is one to preserve our worldview, or one that is willing to give it up and perhaps see as we have never seen before. This is the challenge for the student of Aikido and ultimately the commitment of a martial artist.

We act out of conviction and therefore create strong, unfathomable sin. It is in this sense that our very conviction is the womb of our sin. Religions are not at all the exception to this: rather, they are the greatest example. Whether it is our faith or our philosophy, because of our firm convictions, we human beings create karma or sin. We must deeply observe this fact. After all, one’s own conviction has trapped oneself more and more firmly into the darkness. Wars are caused because of this and, ultimately, the destruction of the world. ZenA school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition. Master Hogan