Yondan Essay - Donny Shiu

Practice Harmony the Aikido Way
May 2024

Bushido means “Way of the Warrior” in Japanese, where Bushi translates to “warrior” and Do to road, path, or way, implying a way of life.  Generally, it describes the codes, practices, philosophies, and principles of samurai culture.  The Bushido code teaches respect, appreciation for life, mercy, benevolence, and leading by example.  Subsequently, Budo was developed over hundreds of years from the teachings of Japanese Bushido philosophy.  Budo means the martial way (of life).

In civil society, to learn, study, and practice the philosophies of Bushido and Budo can done through the practice of many art forms, like rock gardens, Japanese tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and martial arts.  Regarding martial arts, there are numerous forms and styles one can learn and practice, from A to Z, each with its’ own emphases.  Examples of the variety and evolution are Jujitsu to Judo, Kenjitsu to Kendo, Kyujutsu to Kyudo, and thanks to Morihei Ushiba, O’Sensei, we have Aikido, the Way of Spiritual Harmony.

O’Sensei founded Aikido from his years of studying of various forms of martial arts and experiences together with his unique philosophical approach.  It is a martial art system that focuses on throws, pins, and joint locks together with some striking techniques (e.g., atemi).  It emphasizes protecting the opponent and promotes spiritual and social development.  The practice of Aikido requires training of body and the training of the mind in harmony with fellow practitioners, nature, and spirit.

The physical practice of Aikido in large part requires partners (uke and nage), not “opponents/combatants.”  The students engage in training for mutual benefits.  The training to be a good uke is equally important as to be a nage, in harmony.  Although the techniques are rooted in combat and self-defense, they are taught and practiced with safety, etiquette, effort, respect, and self control in mind.

The “attack” may be considered the first step in techniques of Aikido.  In the dojo, the practitioner is presented with certain pre-arranged physical attacks (e.g., strikes, blows, grabs).  Instead of a counter-attack (fight force with force), Aikido curriculum teaches one how to react and resolve such conflict harmoniously.  “Attacks” could be extrapolated into challenges one is confronted in life, such as verbal attack, conflicts at work, or unanticipated negative events.

Aikido teaches one to be prepared, alert, and vigilant.  This means anticipate and engage early, instead of waiting for the “attack” to be upon us before reacting.  It is situational awareness, which is very applicable to real life (in a dark alley or in the office).  It could someone’s look (angry stare), posture (hands fisted), weapon in hand (e.g., jo, bokken) or a negative office memo.

When an “attack” is imminent, take the initiative to engage, a.k.a. reach out or call out.  Not necessary a fight or flight situation, but an opportunity to reach out to fact-finding, touch-base with that individual or group of individuals to see what his/her, their intent is.  Anticipating or reaching out create time and distance for decision making for the next step, “to blend.”

“Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” -The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-

For example, reaching out to engage to the attacker early when he/she is raising the hand for an apparent downward strike.  Fortunately, Aikido principles do allow for engaging attacks at varies stages: early, mid., or late phases (e.g., omote, ura, stepping in, back, side, etc.).  For example, early so that you are not there for the attack or late to step-back to receive and redirect the force.

Blending with the is the next essential Aikido principle after receiving or engaging an “attack.”  Adapt to the incoming force vs. clashing rigidly or forcefully.  To paraphrase one famous martial artist’s quote is to be like water making its way through cracks. Adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it.  If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.  This does not mean passive or submissive to an attack, but rather combining in a similar way, where two things or ideas can both exist or can be combined without problems.  When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they’re open to each other’s influence, they begin to gain new insight. The capability of inventing new approaches is increased exponentially because of the combine forces.  This synergy is the outcome of genuine collaboration, where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

In a martial way, if the “attacker” contributes one unit of force and the “receiver” contributes one unit of force, the combined force is two units, plus the forces of nature (i.e., gravity), where combined synergy becomes 1+1=3.  The result is then ready to be redirect on the mat as throws, pins, and joint locks harmoniously, peacefully without harm to all.  There is no clashing, no destruction, but just let the energy flow.  All the forces are focused, including the mind and body.  One should be present, in the moment!  It is worth being reminded by Master Oogway’s from Kung Fu Panda, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”  An Aikidoist remains calm, stays centered to blend with the attack.

The next principle of Aikido is to redirect harnessed energy to a peaceful outcome, where everyone benefits without conflict or harm.  To resolve an attack, Aikidoists apply techniques resulting in throws, pins and joint locks versus reacting with punches, kicks, or blows to destroy.  Although it is not easy, but that is the desired goal of Aikido style of martial arts.  The study and practice of Aikido requires hard work and practice to aim for resolving conflicts peacefully in the dojo and in life.  This ideal is the Aikido way.  This Do, way, or lifestyle worthy to pursuit and practice for one’s health (mind, body, and spirit), which would translate into a better society and world.  With human conflicts throughout the world and history, we need more harmony and less using force to resolve issues.  Practicing and applying Aikido principles of individual could be a good start.  Conflicts, attacks, and stuff happens, but we cannot give up.
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It is said that practice makes perfect, but there is no such thing as perfection.  Training and practice Aikido, just as in life, are attempts to improve to be a better martial arts and person: it is a journey and not the destination.  Continuously training the body and mind ought to be a constant like a circle.  A circle where a student starts as a beginner, gains skills, and eventually becomes a black belt. Then with many more years of training, the belt gradually fades, almost becoming white again. The journey starts with a beginner’s mind and goes full circle to return to the beginner’s mind.  The Aikido is a guide towards peace, harmony employing mind, body and spirit.  The Aiki-Do is a martial art, a way, a lifestyle, that flows harmoniously with various earthy forces.  May the force/ki be with you!
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