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Lao Tsu - (Tao Te Ching )

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'How To Do Aikido '

Some time ago an AIKIDOKA asked how to harmonise: he wanted to be clear whether Uke ought to 'fly away' at the merest puff of breath, or attack properly (grip or strike) and refuse to move until the technique was completed. . . one way or other! This caused much discussion at the time, but was 'merely' one of many questions and issues; not to mention the joys and pleasures of actually practicing.

I have thought about this question many times, and especially during practice on the mat when AWASE (harmonising or blending) was missing, or improperly carried out. Although the question has not since been asked, I find increasingly (and frustratingly) that I am having to tell people that they must harmonise. Again and again!

Because of this I want to share with you an interpretation which I subscribe to, and which I try to practice. Before I do this, however, I want to say a few words about 'doing' Aikido.

In other Martial Arts, and also in sports, competitions and even at work, there is a view that somebody is doing something to someone else. The aim is to win, sometimes whatever the cost. The person who wins, achieves greater status, the person who loses, does not! In Martial Arts there is often a view that the person who counters an attack, or throws his partner is the one who is practicing. People then change places so that the practice can continue.

Aikido is different! At all times both UKE and NAGE practise. Teacher and student, Attacker and defender, Positive and negative. To practice properly you must be aware of this, UKE carries the responsibility for NAGE'S practice, an NAGE for UKE'S. Each also carries responsibility for his own practice, and for the practice of other pairs and groups. Be aware that UKE should not seek to smash NAGE into the ground, nor give the greatest amount of pain merely to prove that he can do it. And especially if Nage cannot harmonise fast enough!

And now to AWASE, When an attack is made, it should be made properly in relation to the grade and capabilities of NAGE, A grip is a grip - not a push, pull or twist, unless specified, and should be done in the manner of holding BOKKEN, It is not made expressly to stop movement by NAGE, A strike is made in a particular way-e g. SHOMEN, YOKO-MEN, TSUKI, and not a combination. It is also not a descent into rock-like posture.

Further to this, all movements should be executed in a smooth manner by both UKE and NAGE so that proper harmony can be achieved. Techniques that are not executed smoothly are unnatural, unharmonious and can be dangerous. TO ENDANGER YOUR PARTNER IS CONTRARY TO THE BASIC ETHICS OF AIKIDO.

With this in mind an attack and defence can be viewed by this progression.

1. UKE and NAGE prepare, There is a balance because there is no attack as yet, but good ZANSHIN and MAAI.
2. UKE attacks - the balance between the two is disturbed.
3. NAGE blends with the attack (AWASE) .At this point balance is restored, because UKE and NAGE become as one.
4. NAGE uses UKE'S KI and his own to lead UKE into a direction that NAGE chooses and controls. Balance changes again. UKE follows this leading (AWASE) . UKE DOES NOT RESIST.
5. NAGE executes a technique which causes UKE to physically lose balance, which may then result in an application or throw.
6. UKE submits or uses a break fall to protect himself, restore posture and his own balance.
7. UKE and NAGE have a balance between them once more, with good ZANSHIN and MAAI the circle is complete but the process begins again, Each person plays his or her part- the whole becoming greater than the sum of the two parts. Therefore, when you blend with your partner, you only do so when you are led, but you do not resist.

RESISTANCE IS CONTRARY TO THE PRINCIPLES OF AIKIDO.

If you practice in this way, not only will you improve your movements and techniques, but also, I believe that you will move closer to a secret that AWASE holds.