The best Aikidoist have sticktoitiveness. Sticktoitiveness is “the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult or unpleasant.” Sticktoitiveness is about our ability to stay connected.
In Aikido, we refer to “the ability to stay connected with our partner” as kimusubi (氣結び). Our ability to kimusubi or not demonstrates our level of skill. It is considered lower level if the uke “breaks” their connection with the nage. It is also considered a low level if the nage uses too much strength and “breaks” the connection as well. Later, as we advance in skill, as both the uke or nage, we learn to maintain the connection with our partner and move as they do.
In the beginning, we try to maintain the connection physically. Typically, beginners do this by grabbing stronger. To grab stronger, we have to not only bare down physically but also stiffen our bodies. This only causes our grip to break when our partner moves because we are focusing on our grip and cannot move our bodies or feet.
Later, we learn to move with our partner’s movements to maintain the connection. This is where the connection becomes more mental or when our “ki” (氣) becomes connected. At this stage in our Aikido training, we start to understand ki no nagare or “the flow of ki” and kokyu or “the synchronization of breaths.” Here, the connection is, for lack of a better word, mental and we learn to stay connected even when the person is not physically touching us like when they are attacking us with a strike.
When we are connected, we are able to harmonize with the attack, align with its power, and redirect that power. Therefore, what we are really learning as we learn connection is the ability to deal with problems. Life is a test of wills - it is a gaman taikai (我慢大会). Gaman means “to persevere” and taikai means “event.” Things will happen - good and bad and we have to learn to “roll with the punches” and keep on going. The normal person gives up whenever something untoward happens. Aikidoists are not normal people and through their training, they have learned how to persevere - they have learned sticktoitiveness. Being able to stay connected is the ultimate skill in Aikido because it demonstrates our willingness to keep on going no matter what happens. That is why the best Aikidoist have sticktoitiveness.
Today’s goal: When faced with a problem, don’t break away - move with it, align with it, and redirect it but most of all just keep going.
Watch this video to better understand Grit.