"In the practice of martial arts, follow the principles; in life, follow the path." - Morihei Ueshiba
The best Aikidoists are methodical. Aikido is a very precise martial art. It is kind of like a language of movement. Once our bodies learn the language, then it is like a conversation where the movements of the nage (thrower) and uke (throwee) just flow together. In Japanese, this would be called wachuukyoudou (和衷協同 ) or “a harmonious cooperation.” In Aikido, there is no fighting, struggle, or forcing it - it is just two people moving together. To accomplish this harmony, everything in Aikido needs to be done jun wo otte (順を追って) or “done in order step-by-step.” Everything is done methodically - we don’t just do things to do things. Every step has a reason and fulfills a need. Furuya Sensei said, “Every technique holds a secret.” Thus, it is the student’s job to discover the secret, and this can only be done by not only putting reps on the techniques but also by meticulously following each step. Beginners tend to skip steps. They do this mainly because they think that this is how they acquire speed. The main difference between a beginner and an expert in Aikido is that the expert doesn’t skip any of the steps - they just do them faster. Beginners need to be patient but also methodical. Each step needs its full attention. As we master the steps, speed and power will naturally come. Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe once said, “God is in the details.” Someone explained this quote: “It means that when attention is paid to the small things it can have the biggest rewards and that the details matter.” Today, in our fast paced technologically advanced society, it is easy to grasp on to ideas that seem great at the time. We don’t just do things to do things. As martial artists we are always carefully preparing ourselves for the outcomes that we desire. This careful preparation enables us to meet all adversities and adversaries with a sense of calmness and composure. Perhaps that is why the famous Chinese proverb says, “A careful foot can step anywhere.” Technique and skill alone do not lead to victory. It is the strategy, method, and having a systematic approach which lead to victory. In Aikido and in life, we have to follow all the steps and be meticulous in everything that we do.
Today’s goal: Be patient, take your time and follow all steps.
Watch this video of Kyle Carpenter talking about how The Smallest of Steps Completes The Grandest of Journeys