Aiki do or don't

Aikido.
An art of harmonizing energies and powers into a peaceful resolution. A nice description of a way that cannot be understood unless practiced extensively. The problem I observe with practicing this method could be in it's didactic structure.
The sensei is "doing" a technique, the students give an imitation of this example. In my view Aikido should be about receiving forces and energies and guiding them in the appropriate manner. The so called spontaneous creation of technique or takemusu aiki. This would mean that you don't Do Aikido. Rather you don't Do. Don't force your technique upon a willing or unwilling partner, but rather play with the given forces and direct them in a natural and effortless manner. It should be more about receiving and releasing rather than forcing the techniques. One's body could be likened to a conductor of forces to the earth with no thought of it's own.

Ikkyo, first teaching, is receiving.

Of course one has to experience a certain amount of copying and a set guide of techniques. Basic practice is the most important practice in every martial art. But don't limit yourself to only following the road laid ahead of you. Experiment with your body and feel the connection made.

Aiki is the harmonizing of energies but don't Do. The Chinese martial arts and Taoism would call this Wu wei. Act according to natural principles and don't force your actions.


Enjoy Aiki don't do. :)

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