The Actual Truth Of The Universe And O Sensei Aikido
July 25, 2010 by Al Case
Filed under Health Fitness
This question, what is the Real Aikido, is the question that concerns practitioners of Japanese Aikido, budo aikido, and all the various branches. There are so many styles, you see, and they can’t all be the one and only truth, right? And this question, of there being many interpretations and schools, does itself question the validity of the Aikido of all styles, for if the founder was right, then how could there be deviation?
The concern can be resolved if one considers the truth of the universe. Morihei Uyeshiba, you see, perceived the truth of the universe from his particular viewpoint, and he did an incredible job of representing that truth with his art. But if one considers the truth of the universe as a single datum one can approach the art from an individually enlightened viewpoint, and not just from one man’s viewpoint of enlightenment.
Just so you know, I mean no disrespect to the founder of Aikido, indeed, I have the highest respect, and I believe he would want me to question, to consider, and not just robot the techniques as the end all. He was not one to robot aikido, after all, he was an innovator and creator of genius magnitude. I think he would want his real students to emulate him on that level, as well as the level of endless and pure practice.
That all said, the truth of the universe, as shown by the yin yang symbol, and defined Neutronically, is: for something to be true the opposite must also be true. We can take this statement apart endlessly in philosophical lights. The art being one of doingness and action, however, we must consider the truth of the universe as it applies to techniques, from the aikido basics onward.
When an attacker attacks, the defender must perceive the attack. To perceive the attack not as just an incoming line, though that is necessary, but as a completed technique in his own mind. Thus, the defender must see the entire picture of the attack, must have the entire sequence of pictures in his mind.
Once the image is complete, and at the same time as it is happening, the defender must mirror it. Right to right or right to left, the mirror of the aggressive technique will fit the attack as a tailored glove will fit a hand, and the defensive attack will envelope the actuality of the aggressive motion. If this is done correctly, then you are doing the Morihei Uyeshiba Aikido as perceived in his moment of enlightenment.
There is perfection in this visualization and realization, you see. Perfection of action, and of mind, and of art. The good news is that this procure can be applied to the art of Saito Aikido, Aikido Aikikai, or any other interpretation of the founder’s vision in existence, the founder’s viewpoint was that close to perfection.
The best DVD for exploring the concept presented in this article is Matrix Aikido, which is available at Monster Martial Arts. 2
