急げば急ぐほど遅くなる
Isogeba isogu hodo osoku naru
More haste, less speed
Warriors never rush. One paradox in budo is that we actually have to slow down in order to speed up. In Japanese, this is referred to as “Isogeba isogu hodo osoku naru” or “More haste, less speed.” In Aikido, every step in a technique must be completed properly - satisfying each step is the greatest predictor of success. To the less experienced, it may seem faster & even logical to skip some of the steps. However, skipping steps in order to go faster could cause us to make a mistake which could impact our efficiency & effectiveness. A martial artist is only effective because they are efficient. That’s why basketball great, John Wooden once said, “Be quick, but don't hurry.” Both of these aphorisms are more of a caution against carelessness than about speed. The main difference between an expert & a beginner is that an expert never skips steps. Efficiency & effectiveness are a function of error - the more errors usually indicates that we are less efficient & less effective. In class, whenever we find ourselves going too fast or losing control, we are supposed to stop, take a breath & re-center ourselves. Today, most of us, if not all of us multi-task. On average, it takes a person 25 mins to refocus when they are disrupted. At the dojo is supposed to be different, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Student’s often bring in their baggage of the outside world on to the mat. Furuya Sensei used to often say, “Come to the dojo, but cut off your head & leave it outside the door.” A dojo is a sacred space that is supposed to be a respite from our daily grinds. Within its hallowed walls, we are supposed to use that time & space to practice awareness & mindfulness. If we want to be the best, we shouldn’t hurry & that’s why warriors never rush.
Today’s goal: Whenever you find yourself making a mistake or losing control, take a breath, center yourself & slow down.