From the Aikido Center of Los Angeles’ Aiki Dojo Message - One Step Range
The best know their range.
In training, we are trying to get a sense of our issoku itto no maai (一足一刀の間合) or “one step, one cut distance.” To get a sense means that the range of attack has to be a feeling. It can’t be a conscious thought because that is too slow. Our sense of our range has to be second nature and to the point that it is subconscious or almost intuitive.
This month, we are focusing on techniques from tsuki or a “thrusting” type of strike. At the beginning of class, the uke’s do kakari keiko (掛かり稽古) “attack practice.” Both practitioners are supposed to be engaged in developing their sense of timing and ma-ai (間合い) or “spacing” of the strike. (note:The Japanese don’t have a formal word for timing and typically timing and spacing are considered so close that they are often considered one in the same). On the uke’s side, they need to know how much distance they can cover to strike in one step and with every practice strike, they should move a little bit farther away. At some point, uke reaches a distance where they can’t reach their target in one step and so just prior to that is their range. At first, the nage just stands there as a target and observes but not passively. They should be training their minds and eyes to actively feel where the threshold is of their own range and the moment that the uke moves into it. Eventually, the nage will expand their training and try and irimi or “moving forward” into the strike within the range and timing of the strike. This type of practice enables both practitioners to find the limitations of their one step range.
In Sen Sōshitsu’s book, Tea Life, Tea Mind, he wrote, “At the center of a life based on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility is that inner peace that results from accepting one’s limits and finding satisfaction within the incomplete. With this peace, dissatisfaction and anxiety vanish, replaced by self-possession and composure.” When we get a sense of our limits, it either brings contentment or anxiety. Contentment comes from knowing and accepting. Anxiety comes from not accepting or being dissatisfied with our limit. Anxiety demonstrates to us that we have the wrong perspective. Knowing is not the end. Knowing the endpoint enables us to know where our limitations are and enables us to work around them, incorporate them, or to try and stretch them.
In Aikido and in Life, knowing our range gives us the ability to self-reflect. If we get struck while moving in, don’t take it personally. Look at it as the place that needs attention and ask yourself, “Why, did this happen?” Only by asking “why” does the whole universe open up for us.
No one who has ever achieved anything ever accepted their limitations as the end. The best know their one step range and move forward out of their comfort zones to find the next level in their training.
Today’s goal: Train to know where your limitations are so that you can break through and push them further
Watch this video of Simon Sinek talking about strength.