空氣を読めるよう
Kuuki wo yomeru
“To read the air”
To be aware
The best martial artists are always aware. Aikido is a very sophisticated martial art on many different levels. On one level, we see its sophistication in its desire to not harm the opponent. Throwing someone down without hurting them or with the desire to show them compassion requires koseido (高精度) or a “high level of precision.” In class, part of our training is to show restraint and precision in not only not injuring people but also by not throwing people off the mats or into other people. In order to train with this level of precision requires that we have a sense of awareness. The other day, a few students and I went out to dinner. The restaurant required that we show a vaccine card or negative test to enter. During the meal, I saw someone sneak in the back door apparently to circumvent the covid vetting process. After eating, I asked if anyone had noticed this person. Everyone was busy having a good time and nobody did. What the students forgot is that our awareness doesn’t end at the edge of the mat or when the class is done. Our Aikido training teaches us to be aware at all times. In Japanese, the ability to be aware is “kuuki wo yomeru” (空氣を読めるよう) which means “to be able to read the air.” Awareness is about seeing or “reading” that which is not readily apparent. In this case, the guy could have been coming in through the back door to commit some sort of violent crime. Being a martial artist, we know that surprise is one of the best assets in warfare. Being able to read the air enables us to be aware and see things before they come and thus act appropriately and with composure. Awareness enables us to realize O’Sensei’s vision of non-violence and enables us to do Aikido while delivering the least amount of damage but at the same time being in complete control. Non-violence requires compassion and compassion cannot be achieved without precision and precision necessitates that we be aware. That is why the best martial artists strive to always be aware.
Today’s goal: Can you be aware of your surroundings at all times?