Robans (student essays)

Circles

Aikido is centred around blending with an opponent, redirecting or absorbing energy to neutralize an attack. It focusses on taking balance before incorporating throws or pins. This approach naturally emphasises fluidity and flowing movements, allowing for an efficient counter to an attack, without direct confrontation. I see Aikido techniques as movements in circles - sometimes large, sometimes small. These circles can be full, half, or even just a fragment, like an eighth of a circle. Their size may change, overlap, and shift continuously, flowing and evolving through space.These circles are not perfect, symmetrical shapes, but rather waves, spirals, or curves flowing through three dimensional space - controlled and purposeful, yet adaptable, bringing order what might otherwise be chaos. 

When two people come together, each brings their own circle into the interaction, and from this meeting the circles merge, clash or transform into something entirely new. Someties they barely touch, passing by each other in quiet harmony. Circular movements is an energy efficient way of deflecting or absorbing momentum of an attacker, as it does not take on the full force of an attack. Succes depends on precise angles, timing, and distance, connecting a nage with uke's energy. The human body, with its many movable joints (wrists, shoulders, hips and feet) is naturally suited to rotational movements. The more joints we keep flexible and accessable, the more fluid our movements and thus powerful techniques become. However, each person's body is unique: differences in size, flexibility, and past injuries all effect how one moves and responds.

Psychological factors also influence physical performance, and as different bodies meet, the circles continually shift and adapt. The true beauty of Aikido lies in the connection between the circles. It is not about control or force, but about allowing the movements to connect and blend together.The practice becomes a dance of continuous motion, where participants shape and influence each other's actions. It is an art of adaptability, where a response emerges from the shifting dynamics of each encounter. When the goal is not to defeat an opponent or to reach an end, the techniques can transform into an endless kaewaza, where circles continuously merge and give birth to new ones. This flow creates a seamless, harmonious dance with each technique effortlessly flowing to the  next.

From there to now ; what was my journey?

Where am I now? 

Where do I go?

My aikido journey has been both an internal and an external one. In the early stages of my training, I focussed on the purely external aspects of how to move, how to roll, to throw and be thrown, and how to take the balance of an opponent. Technique was the focus, but it always still felt....forced and awkward. I tended to use muscle and not method which at the time I felt was correct, but I now see as limiting. 

It was only after I stoped focussing on the physical technique and focussing more on how it "felt" to roll, to throw and be thrown, and to take the balance of an opponent or have my balance taken, that my aikido  has been able to move on to a better level.

By relaxing myself and focussing on trying to blend and time myself with the uke/opponent's attack that my techniques have now improved and become more effortless. Adding more "base" and sinking my centre has improved the size of the circle I now feel comfortably operating in. This happens more naturally and without forethought. The resulting technique is not always perfect, but it "feels" better than a physical technique peformed well on its own. 

By focussing on and incorporating the internal aspects and softening the technique, I hope that I can make good progress in the short-term and become a better Aikidoist. I think with time, and with practice, these two halves will amalgamate more into a single unified technique of internal/external, but this is a work in progress currently, and for now, my path continues.

My Aikido is...

In the subtle shift of my hips and hands 

to feel the shihonage.

To feel - the thrumming lines of tension. Tighten, Restrain, Seize.

To feel the twitching fingers - and muscles, 

beneath the skin.

Beneath the lifelong story of freckles and creases,

the scars and scrapes and hair.

In the uke. My training partner

It's in the right moment - the right edge -

where they can feel the technique wind

through the length of their arm,

through their shoulder,

through the arching soles of their feet.

The gentle pressure of their back against mine.

To the edge but no further

as I guide them through their fall.

It's in the repetition of my hamni and technique -

the twist of the wrist,

the slide and turn of foot and ankles,

and the final cut - 

give way to the swaying weight of my uke;

how the slightest increase of pressure on their hand, 

it's position as I pivot around them, and my own

bent knees and centred weight

can change the outcome and the journey.

A journey I started over 10 years ago,

and one that continues through to today

and beyond. My Aikido is 

is in every moment I spend on and off the mat;

in the tightening of my muscles

as I power through a throw,

and the re-settling breaths I take after;

It's in the moment I punch out 

an insult in anger, and every time

I hold open a door;

In the aiki of every person before me,

And in the unique journey

each shihonage offers.

Aikido Black Belt Reflection Essay

My Aikido journey began in 2014 at 56 years of age, having done Katate since the 1990's, during which time I had achieved a Black Belt and competed in local competitions. I was attracted to an Aikido dojo next to the school hall where some of my Karate friends had begun training and who encouraged me to give it a go.

Aikido emphasises the concept of conectivity with one's opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on defeating or overpowering an adversary, Aikido seeks to blend and harmonise with the opponent's energy. In Aikido we learn to redirect an attacker's force, rather than opposing it head on. By maintaining a strong connection with our opponent, we can effectively neutralise aggression while minimising injury to both parties.

There are four guiding principles of Aikido: being centred, being completely relaxed, keeping weight underside and extending ki. On paper, this seems simple enough, but inpractice, for me it was not as simple as it seemed - especially relaxing completely!

Aikido promotes unity within oneself and teaches us to remain calm and centred, even in the face of aggression. By cultivating a deep sense of empathy and understanding for our opponents, we aim to transform conflict into co-operation and respond approporiately in any situation.

Aikido initially piqued my interest when I learned of its unique rolls and break falls. This was not a component of my previous Karate training. After a short period of time, I found similarities betwee the two martial arts styles. The moves in Karate kata resembled the moves in Aikido. However, I found with Aikido, the moves and techniques were more free flowing and not the banging and crashing of Karate. Slowly, with plenty of time and practice, I have been able to 'soften' or relax which has allowed me to become more free flowing. The four guiding principles work in harmony with each other, and you need to allow yourself to embrace all of them to be able to achieve your goals in Aikido.

By blending with an attacker's energy, rather than resisting it, we can seek peaceful resolutions while preserving our own safety.The philosophy of connectivity extend beyond physical techniques; it fosters empathy and unity within oneself as well as with others. Ultimately, Aikido teaches us that true strength lies not in dominating others, but in forging connection based on respect and harmony.

In the lead up to my Black Belf grading I have had the opportunity to reflect on my journey and all those along the way, who have helped mentor, guide and encourage me. I have very much enjoyed my Aikido experience, linking in with the Aikido community in Melbourne and abroad. I look forward to continuing my Aikido experience as long as I can.

"Training in martial arts has no end, just a beginning"

I started my martial art journey when I joined Karate in high school.

I had fist fights in primary school in the Phillipines, and then when we moved to Australia, I had a fight with the bully in high school. After realising that most kids were bigger and stronger than me, I thought that I would even it out by joining a martial arts club.

The Wado Ryu of Japan Australia, had their dojo in the Box Hill High School gym. I got up to Brown belt in Year 12, which was in 1995, and after that, I was busy with studies at University and training in Karate became non existent.

I also played basketball but tore my ACL ligament in the year 2000. The doctor said that after my operation, I wouldn't be able to kneel ever again, so that was one of the reasons I didn't go back to Karate. I joined the RMIT University student Taekwondo club but only attended a few lessons and wasn't really serious about it.

Exactly twenty years after I stopped training in Karate, I joined Sensei Steve's Aikido class. That was in 2015. I was looking for a new martial art that my two girls could do with me as way for them to get introduced into the world of martial arts, and learn some self-defence.

Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu was my chosen martial art, but there was none around in Melbourne - and based on Google maps, one dojo in Sydney - 500 Klm away.

So, when I found Steve Sensei's flyer in Mitcham I saw that it was affordable, compared to other Aikido dojo in the area. Thankyou Steve Sensei as it is his passion for spreading Aikido - and not as a business for profit. The people who need it the most are the ones who can least afford it and who may come from disadvantaged backgrounds. What is good about martial arts if you can't use it in your daily life?

My Karate mind thinks that if someone breaks into the house, they leave in a body bag or better, in an ambulance.  My Aikido mind thinks that if someone breaks into the house - "Welcome! - please come in". 

I don't worry if this would happen or not, and I sleep better for it.

As Steve Sensei says when explaining a key message of  O-Sensei, "Aikido is not about correcting others, but correcting ourselves"..... and, so begins my self-awareness of being patient and disciplined in everything I do. 

Patience is to wait without being annoyed, upset or angry. It is when you exerccise, self-control, rather than lashing out and complaining. Discipline is the ability for you to control the way you work, live or behave in order to achieve a goal.

Aikido will continue to teach me to be patient and disciplined. My fellow Aikidoka in Mitcham dojo have inspired me to keep training as I get older, and get better with my techniques. The idea is to study the forms and eventually be formless.

Thank you all

How my journey began

Back in 2003, I kicked off my martial arts journey (after watching my son train for 6 months), stepping into a dojo with a mix of curiosity, nervousness and excitement. I was on a quest to explore physical fitness, self-defence and personal growth. My initial foray into martial arts began with Karate and this instilled in me the core principles of discipline and respect.

Karate provided me an excellent foundation for these ideals, teaching me the importance of hard work and perserverance. Over the years, I have honed my techniques, steadily advanced through the Karate ranks; but a transformative moment awaited me in 2015 when I participated in a joint Aikido and Karate class. This experience forever changed my trajectory in martial arts and igniting my passion for Aikido. 

This class explored these two distinct martial arts, delving into the differences, but also exploring the many synergies between them. It was during this class that I first caught the 'Aikido bug'. Aikido's fluid movements, emphasis on blending with an opponent's energy, and its philosophical approach to self-defence resonated with me. It was as if I had discovered a new language that spoke directly to my martial art soul.

Why I train in Aikido 

My journey form Karate (which I still train in) has been an evolutionatry experience, providing unique perspectives on self-defence and personal devlopement. While not always an easy journey - (I still often hear the words "relax" and "keep your head up") , it has been an exceptionally rewarding expreience so far and, I am sure, will continue to be so. While Aikido shares many similarities with Karate, it also presents significant differences that has made it a valuable addition to my martial arts journey. Both Aikido and Karate instill a strong sense of discipline in the case of Karate; and harmony and energy re-direction in Aikido. This shared commitment to discipline has been a cornerstone of my training, promoting a strong work ethic and self-control.

Aikido stands apart from Karate in its philosophical approach, placing a profound emphasis on non-violence. It encourages practitioners to blend with an opponent's energy rather than confront it directly and offering a unique perspective on self-defence.

In conclusion, my journey from Karate to Aikido has been a voyage of self discovery and growth.The shared principles and their distinct characteristics, has enriched my martial arts experiences by providing a more comprehensive appreciation of both.

Final Comment

Lastly, I'd like to thank Steve Sensei for his perseverance, expert tuition and patience over the years and to Trevor Sensei for going above and beyond to help prepare us in the lead up to this grading. It is very much appreciated, while fellow Aikidoka are a  pleasure to train with and to learn from. Lastly but by no means least, my wife who has been exceptionally understanding - with me being out of the house several nights a week at training, has been a trainiing partner at home, and who I likely would never have met if she hadn't decide to turn up at another of our shared Aikido/ Karate classes back in 2017!

  "All of life is a circle, endlessly revolving, and that is the centre point of the Art of Peace. 

The Art of Peace is a seamless, inexhaustible that encompasses all things".  

    O-Sensei, The Art Of Peace, p 119, Shambhala, 2018.

Over the last 4 years, my aikido journey has taken me from focussing on the self-victory over mind and body and choosing my response to experiencing aikido at the centre of my life. The following incident is one example of this. This incident involved four young men attacking my daughter's boyfriend, in front of my daughter and outside our home. I went outside and did a kiai - "STOP" and stood between my daughter's boyfriend and the four young men. I made eye contact with them and dropped into my centre. Then did a second kiai - " GO", and the young men turned and ran away. It is hard to explain; I was calm, yet my experience of what was happening was in slow motion, and through the kiai in my body, I felt an energy and connection with everything.

The last three years of the pandemic have been challenging. Throughout the lockdowns and the periods when were unable to train, I would do solo training regularly. This would help me to be calm, regain balance, feel more centered, feel connected to the earth and be aware of my surroundings. The pattern of regular practice has the oasis of in a storm of uncertainty, turmoil and challenges. Practicing Aikido has helped with living through the grief of my father's death in February 2020 and also of Carl Bradley sensei who was a friend and role model, for living an Aikido life. 

Aikido has been my centre point as I have lived between maintaining and losing balance, giving and receiving, engaging and disengaging, and intention and action.The art of aikido continues to teach me about being present in the here and now, present in relationships, and abou the presence of the universe. It constantly reminds me to pay attention to what is happening, feel where I am, attend to who I am with and the world around me, and respond from the centre.

Roban for San Dan, Andy Metzler, Mahurangi, New Zealand

The Seven Pleats 

The following explaination by O-Sensei was remembered by Mitsugi Saotome: 

O-Sensei told us that the hakama was the traditional garment for kobudo (traditional or ancient budo) and he asked if any of us knew the reason for the seven pleats in the hakama? 

O-Sensei explained that the seven pleats symbolised the seven virtues of budo and these are:

Jin - Benevolence

Gi - Honour

Rei - Courtesy

Chi - Wisdom

Shin - Sincerity

Chu - Loyalty 

Ko - Piety 

"We find these qualities in the distinguished Samurai of the past. The hakama prompts us to reflect on the true nature of Bushido. Wearing it symbolises the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Aikido was born of the Bushido spirit of Japan, and in our practice we must strive to polish the seven traditional virtues"

To understand the meaning of these words better, I have used the dictionary to explain them. When we look at the definitions, it becomes clear why they are so important

Jin - Benevolence: Being well meaning, compassionate, generous.

Gi - Honour: Knowing and doing what is morally right, showing high respect, great esteem and integrity

Rei - Courtesy: Displaying an attitude of politeness, kindness and respect in one's attitudes and behaviour towards others.

Chi - Wisdom: Being able to use experience and knowledge to make good judgement.

Shin - Sincerity: Being genuine with the absence of pretence, deceit or hypocrisy.

Chu - Loyalty : Showing devotion and faithfulness to a cause or philosophy.

Ko - Piety : Having the qualities that  may include religious devotion, spirituality, or a mix of both.

As Aikido practitioners, we should take the time to reflect on O-Sensei's words and try to incorporate them into our daily training. We have to remember that we have the privilege to wear the hakama and we should be proud of it. Aikido practitioners who only see the hakama as a piece of clothing to show their ranking, are narrow minded and most likely not aware of its meaning. It is important that we include all of O-Sensei's teachings in our Aikido practice and the explanation of the seven pleats, is one of them. At the time it was important for to him to share this knowledge, the least we can do is to take the time to learn from it.

In my opinion, to understand and practise the Aikido O-Sensei taught, we need to get all the information we can get about it and it should be important to us. It is so much easier to choose only some parts of O'Sensei's teachings and each individual practitioner needs to make their own choice of how much they want to know about Aikido. The question will remain: are they practising O'Sensei's Aikido or their own?

For myself it is important to learn as much as possible about O'Sensei and the Aikido he taught, and explore everything I can with an open mind. It is not an easy path, but so much more exciting and challenging. So far I've had a great journey.

Okagesama,

Andy

Roban for Sandan Grading - lan Drew, November 2019

Relationship Based Aikido Teaching Practice within a New Zealand Context

I have been teaching in some form now for over 20 years. First as a Chef Instructor with the New Zealand Defence Force (five years in total within a 21 year Defence career) and I'm currently employed as a Chef Lecturer (16 years) with an Institute of Technology (Polytechnic) based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. I often draw on my experiences as a teacher within my aikido classes, having somewhat reluctantly taking over the Manawatu Aikido Club approximately four years ago when Dojo Cho Carl moved cities for employment opportunities. When I say 'somewhat reluctantly', it was more to do with the fact I couldn't be selfish and concentrate on my own aikido practice anymore - the positive side of this change was getting me out of my comfort zone and challenging me to analyse my aikido and then break this down into little chunks for teaching, then make sure I articulate this in a way that is easy to understand and relate to.

In my current chef lecturing role I have been involved for the past 4 years in a programme my institution has named 'Te Atakura', which in Mãoridom means 'the red tipped dawn' (it is the very first hint of daylight on the horizon). Te Atakura focuses on teaching and learning. It is UCOL's culturally responsive pedagogy through relationship based teaching and learning (ako). It aims to reduce the disparity between Mãori and non-Mãori students and improve the educational experience and outcomes for all students. The model is based on the implementation of Russell Bishop's Effective Teaching Profile (Te Atakura, 2018, p.2). The Te Atakura approach is a response to the often 'large disparities that exist in education between ethnic groups of students [and] are of concern in many countries, including New Zealand'. The programme involves classroom observations, coaching, self-reflection, knowledge building workshops, student focus groups, and co-construction meetings (the latter explores what is working well for the targeted students and strategies for engaging under-performing students). Te Atakura is made up of two main parts: 'the family-like context that teachers develop with their learners, and interactions within the learning context' (Te Atakura, 2018, 1.1).

In the same way the principles of Aikido can be used outside the dojo in work and social interactions, the Te Atakura values can apply outside the classroom. Te Atakura values come straight from the Effective Teaching Profile (Te Atakura, 2018, p. 3) and consist of the following:

Kötahitanga: 'unity - a collaborative response towards a common vision, goal, purpose or outcome. Knowing what students need to learn'. Within Aikido this can be based on the grading syllabus, but should also be tailored to each individual, as everyone has their own reasons for training - some for learning self-defence, others for fitness or discipline and some for the social aspect. If you know the aikido students 'why', then the sensei can make each training session valuable to each individual club member.

Mana Motuhake: 'high expectations - development of personal or group identity and independence, respect. Voicing and demonstrating high expectations'. This can be expressed on the mat through striving for excellent demonstration of techniques and form. It's also important for the sensei to give aikido students the opportunity to understand their own level and they have an idea what they need to work on rather than just being told.

Whanaungatanga: 'positive relationships and connections - a family-like atmosphere, a sense of belonging'. If a family-like atmosphere can be created on the mat, then club members are more likely to want to continue training long term and promote the club. Individual as well as club successes are celebrated and all members look out for each other and encourage each other to succeed.

Ako: 'teaching and learning; effective teaching interactions and relationships with learners'. Teaching is conducted in a positive way shunning a deficit model of thinking - i.e. celebrating what was done right, rather than concentrating on what was done wrong. The sensei is flexible enough to modify the class to the individual as well as group depending on the level and make-up of the class. This could involve splitting the class into higher and lower grades so students can all train at their appropriate level.

Wänanga: 'rich, dynamic sharing of knowledge. Dialogue, debate and careful consideration'. In our club we have three Shodans, who are encouraged to teach short sessions during some classes. This supports knowledge sharing as well as developing the individual's teaching and instructional skills. Club members receive 'feed forward' i.e. what they need to change to improve, rather than a negative focus on what they aren't doing correctly. Time on the mat for discussion and individual reflection is also an important aspect of teaching.

Manaakitanga: 'a nurturing, caring and supportive environment. Caring for and nurturing the learner, including their language and culture'. This aspect is essential to create a positive environment to enhance an individual's 'mana' (Mãori concept for prestige, authority, influence, status - https://maoridictionary.co.nz/word/3424). The sensei needs to provide an environment that is not only physically safe but also culturally safe, where cultural difference is valued.

As I strive to appreciate and understand aikido more and try to incorporate its principles into everyday life, I also see it's fitting to have the cross-over of my educational background onto the mat. At a basic level, Aikido is a transaction between uke and nage - if this can be built on relationship-based practice, then the experience should be a positive one.

Teaching is one of the great joys in life. 

Sharing our knowledge with others is how we grow. It helps to cement the learnings we have and enables us to expand on ideas that have been shared with us by our teachers. Sharing another person's journey through their learning gives us an appreciation for our own experiences and opens our minds to think more broadly.

Everyone brings their own way to Aikido. This is the sum of their experiences in life and who they are. Some will have had no martial arts experience and be un-coordinated or disconnected from their bodies, where others may have a strong physical connection but lack the abilty to connect mind, body and spirit. Each flavour adds character, and enriches the Aikidoka that they will become. As teachers, we neee to learn to embrace these differences and use them to shape how we impart our shared knowledge to help guide the students on this journey. We cannot afford to close out the freedom to experiment and develop, otherwise we risk losing the students' commitment and connection. 

This is not to be mis-interpreted however, as letting the student dictate the way they apply a technique, as it is important as teachers that we ensure they train in a way that will not harm others. It is more about working with their way of learning and challenging them to find common understanding, that will enable them to enjoy Aikido for many years. Being open to learning from our students also helps us to become richer as teachers in how we approach a class, or even a situation. We can take on and build upon their ideas to develop new ways to articulate the learnings from our teachers, and make them our own.

Reflection is a powerful tool and one we associate strongly with working towards perfection within our own techniques; as embodied in O-Sensei's saying (Masakatsu Agatsu - True victory is victory over oneself); however taking the time to reflect upon the way a class ran or the way you as a teacher have imparted your knowledge, is as important as in aligning your spirit to the universe. How we share ideas and enrich the training of others, is possibly more important than how we physically impart the techniques.

Taking a student from their first day in the Dojo through to their senior gradings is a humbling expreience. We can look upon their Aikido and see ourselves reflected in their movements, commitment, and determination. What we also see is their uniqueness and the diversity that they bring to the mat, and in their daily lives. 

Damon Cowley, Central Auckland Aikido Club, New Zealand

The teacher takes his stance. Shoulders pushed back and inviting, he begins teaching. "Get down, down into your knees. Feel the connection as you push down the energy through your feet and pushing into the floor beneath the mat, forcing its way down and grounding you to the earth. 

You have now established a solid base. By rooting yourself  through the connection of hara and earth you will feel the stability of effortless movement. Find that centre and move. The energy rolls like small circles that never end but keep in constant motion. Transfer your weight forward and back. Feel your core connecting , feel your awareness of your body and movement  finding its way around its grounded position. Posture, breath, balance: align and connect them with your surroundings. When you move through your tenkan feel the passing of your body as one across the surface of the mat. Maintain your connection to the earth, always pushing down into your knees, down into your feet and down into the ground.

Your hand will find its pivot point , rotating through collecting your body as it moves. Spirit, mind and body moving as one together. Feet, light but solid glide with constant connection as your hara adjusts its direction and now you see your new awareness in front of you.

Wait now, just long enough for the disturbance  of your wake to settle. Move and centre, centre and move. Adjust and push down, bend your knees and sit into your stance. Feel your solid base. 

Now move again, ichi, ni, san, shi......"

Though the teacher feels his centre and can understand his connection, he must describe the sensation in words that show his students' mind, what he feels. This allows the student this most kinetic of actions, and eventually transcribe this into motion.

Damon Cowley, Central Auckland Aikido Club, New Zealand.