The way I try to approach Aikido training could be summarized as follows: Feel the technique as well as understanding what's going on. The feeling part of training is best understood with your body during partner training. This is probably the largest part of Aikido training. Studying and understanding how the body works and techniques are built is the part I also try to include. So study, practice and contemplate.
In the years I've been doing this, a simple principle arose and while testing this approach I've come to believe it's a valid set of tips to be used in practice. The theory is like this: When confronted with resistance of your uke there are three things to do or a combination of those three components.
1. Make center to center contact and move as a single unit.
2. Use the on/off principle.
3. "Walk" around point of resistance or contact.
In every single technique of every martial art these 3 components are present. So Judo, BJJ, Wrestling etc. all include these principles. Therefore Aikido is no different. What sets Aikido apart from these practices would be the possibility of training these concepts in a joyful, relaxed and non competitive environment.
Three examples in Aikido would be:
1. Center to center contact and move as one unit.
- Fujita sensei
- Saito sensei
- Yamada sensei
- Ikeda sensei
2. Use the on/off principle.
- Endo sensei and his students
3. "Walk" around point of contact
- Tissier sensei
- Doshu Ueshiba
Of course the three parts have to be mixed and used effortlessly. When one studies closely most Aikidoka's will use these three components with good effect.
Enjoy practice.
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