Acceptance Ability in Aikido Training

If we want to observe our own behaviour while practising Aikido, we'll find out that when the Uke starts to attack we prepare ourselves to parry or move out from the attack.
That responses is usually happens and mostly happens to us. However, the parry we made often made conflict and we feel hurt when Parrying the Attack.
I just want to emphasize to the Spiritual or Mental Aspect which follows the response we made.
Have you ever think to accept the attack first rather than to parry it out of your body?? so we can avoid the conflict?
Have you ever think not to run away by moving out to the uke's blind spot?? but to accept him/her coming with welcoming smile?? and try to be part of him/her??
We usually Resist the Attack, we don't won't to be attacked. so, we resist every attack that comes to us.
Why don't we try to see the attack not as an attack?? Try to see the attack as something that given by nature, by universe, try to accept this, then if you don't want to, you can give it back, or you can extend it to the other place.
Assumed that the attacker try to give us a power, accept it first then quickly we decide to give it back or to project it to another place which maybe need the power.
Just like in a Trade, the attacker as a giver and we as receiver, not to take, it will be different. just receive, accept.
So, when the attack comes to you, try to receive it first and said in your heart, thank you, then you can give it back to the attacker or projecting the power to another place, also by saying 'Thank You'. it will stimulate your ability of relax and extending ki.
You can try in Zagi Waza Kokyu Ho technique or Ryote Tori Tenci Nage
Try not to resist, try not to struggle against the attack. Establish the acceptance ability in yourself, Your Heart, Your Mind. and find out how Amazing it can be.

Hopefully useful,

Aikido Indonesia Bandung Sceptic

Salt and Lake

This Story was taken from a mailing list on Feb, 06, 2003 and I still Keep it.
For me, this story is impressive, very useful in Daily Life, especially in Aikido.
This concerned with 'Acceptance ability' and 'Thanksful-attitude'' and some others aspect which I plan to describe some other time later.
Have a nice reading, understanding and applying... :)

Salt and Lake

Once upon a time, there was an wise old man. At one of the morning come a young man whose in many problems.
His walking so weak with a sour face. The young man seemed to be unhappy man. He told all of his problems. The wise old man listened carefully.
He took a small portion of salt and a glass of water. He put the salt in it and stirred it slowly.
"Please drink this, and tell me how its taste," said the old man.
"Salty, very salty!" said the young man and spit to the side.
The Old man smiled when he heard the answer. Then he ask the young man to go with him to the lake nearby..

There, at the side of the Lake, the old man pour a handful of salt to the lake. By a piece of wood he stirred it.
" Please, take a cup of water from this lake, and drink it...."
When the young man drink the water, He asked "How its taste?"
"Fresh!" said the young man. "Do you taste the salt in that water?" Asked the old man
"No!' said the young man.

Gently, the old man put his hand on the shoulder of the young man..
"Young man, listen, The bitter of the life is just like that salt, no more no less.
The numbers of the salt i poured in it is same, but the taste of the water was completely different, and so the bitter of this life and failures depend on the place we have.
The bitter of the life will based on our feelings that we put everything in it.
All of that will depend on our hearts.

So, when you feel some bitterness and failures in your life, there is only one thing you can do.

"Wide your heart to accept all of it."
"Wide your heart to accept every bitterness."

He continued,
" Your heart is the place, Your feeling is the place. Your soul is the place you accept all of it."
"So, don't treat your heart as a glass or cup. Make your heart as a lake which can absorb every bitter thing and change it become freshness and happiness."

Hopefully useful,

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Rational Aikido, No Need Special Breathing?

By the interesting info issued by PADI (Aikiwago), I remembered my own experience...
I agree with the description contained in the article.
"The Most Important in Aikido Training is 'Niat' (Intention/will), No need special breathing...

From my own experience of Aikido practice since 1994 until now, I hear there is a lack of healthy competition between 'Aikido institutions', I hope now is not anymore...

I do not know what that actually make it happen, just feels ironic, when Aikido hints of love, and become one with the universal, but a scar that occurred not reflected these principles.
Perhaps there are readers who are also experienced when there is a sensei who blame the methods or techniques of other sensei with a variety of reasons, but they can not point the right, as their techniques are not right either, not applicable (effective), how does this... ?

There also interesting, when I heard the news/rumours that many practitioners of Aikido (the funny thing is that there are Yudansha(black belts) degree) searched for 'Ki' in the non-Aikido institutions, train special breathing or what???
Weird, the Aikido is certainly concerning and contain 'Ki'... How does this..?

Then, according to the information, there is a practice in Aikido Dojo only as a 'theatrical or fake'.. How this..? Martial arts only playwright? What if something happens outside the Dojo? Please do not theatrical folks...! Self pity, pity on public...

As to my sensei, Atsushi Yamada Sensei, he does not mind if we, the students do the test to the effectiveness of his techniques... from the simple grip to any attacks as difficult as we can...
And He attempt to provide rational explanation.
I continue to follow its development, such as my usual practice to the many junior(Kohai) and I 'can'... So I proud and I even feel like a crackerjack... It's shame if i remember that... :)
However, when faced with senior (Sempay) why it is often not effective? not applicable?
and the more shameful if there are new members with large and firm body, I stuck... O,Ow... I ashamed...
Then I try to discuss with the sempay also sensei and found some tricks to solve the problems, so eventually the techniques i use often contain certain tricks...

I do not satisfy with it, it's like ' self lying'. I remember what was O sensei Morihei Ueshiba said " No secret-technique in Aikido"
How far tricks can be successful? Tricks are often limited in their use, may even turn into danger...

The most common trick i used is 'Thumbs attacked' (i call it so..) Where the attack shaped grip, i always attack to the direction of Uke's thumb, so the power oh Uke's grip weakened. It s quite effective, until i held by someone with Large and strong hands, and locked. I cannot move with such conditions..

Given this, I am grateful my body's condition is small and light, so those obstacles can trigger me to always improve my skill...

I am very bothered with this conditions, confused and stress. Atsushi Yamada Sensei is not there and no longer care about UAC, he was open institution in Jl. Setiabudi named Institut Aikido Indonesia-Japan. Seniors not active as tied to job. Occasionally i still communicate with Budiana (Roges). The only left is the new people that hope will having knowledges from me... God help me..!! I feel alone...

I always convey to the members of UAC in Unisba-Indonesia, that I just 3rd Kyu, Unisba Dojo have no affiliation, and I/we do not have the right to hold the test to the increase in the level (in belts). So there is no belt ranking in UAC. (in 2008, is affiliated to Pengda Jabar and there is increased level test, alhamdulillah) ( in around 2006-2007 i was offered by my friend (Mr. Iyan) to teach Aikido at Jl. Malabar, i rejected it with the above reasons, I only 3rd kyu, The Dojo is The Public Dojo and require trainers that competent and bonafide, Certified. The dojo now running, named SOSA MALABAR))

As i keep practicing... I did not realize that my techniques are changed...
That's because I pray to God, beside the efforts i always done.
I do not attack the thumbs of Uke anymore. I go back to the basic concept. Niat(Intention/will), Sensing, Blending and Leading. Always keep Normal Breathing, no need special breathing...

Since 2000, i began developing my skills and teach all that i know to anyone who would like to learn. And try not to act with any pretext.. If I can't, just admit. I can not...

The funny is other 'institutions' still judge my techniques as wrong, i don't care....

I still remember around 2001, my student Ahmad Fananny, tell his friends about my ability, there is his friend didn't believe his story and want to test. So he came to Unisba, my surprise! his posture is BIG and Firm and large! His name is Ibnu.
Hmmmm, The time to test my ability and find the truth...
Alhamdulillah, i showed how successful escape from the various attacks that he do (generally grabbing, Tori-tori or to hug from behind). Too bad it was not documented..
According to the news the next day, Ibnu was hard to wake up from bed.... he was exhausted.... hhihihihi...

Just Relax, Align intention/will, clean hearted and consistent.... and ACTION!

To Increase my confident, I asked Agus Hermawan (now at Cirebon) although Kohai I often powerless if he held me, I test my techniques, especially 'Morotedori Kokyu nage, ushiro" and... "It works..!!" How glad i am...
Then I try with other big one named Rommy, and Sempai Budiana, and "It Really works..!!"

Well, I only tell my experience, sharing, not for other things and thinking and bad intentions...
Let my status remain 3rd Kyu, It's Okay for me, Knowledges still can be achieved from whatever kyu...

Please feel free to share experiences here.. :)

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No Insurance in Aikido Training?

I remember long times ago some of beginners ask me if there could be injuries happened in Aikido Training and is there Insurance Program to handle this?.
Yes there are many injuries can occur. One of My Kohai got injured around his elbow's ligament and cured after 3 months.
Another injury happened when we practiced near the wall, one of the uke was too near to the wall and when he did ukemi his head bumped to the wall and his skinhead was broken, The broken skinhead was like a logo of Mercedes Benz Car. He was unconscious for a few minutes and got amnesia for about few hours.
However, there is No Insurance Program to handle this kind of injuries, not Health Insurance nor Accident Insurance.
So, I just want to tell you the Practitioners of Aikido, Please be careful in Aikido Training, because as I know there is No Insurance in Aikido Training and Martial arts in General.
Is there any Insurance for Martial Arts Activities??
If there is a dojo which have injuries insurance in their programs, please just be careful also.... :)

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How To Keep Weight Underside

Keep weight Underside, meant placing the entire body weight on the bottom, meaning the feet, so the foot of the focus areas is the 'balls' which close to the finger toe.
So, it will look like 'tiptoe' but did not tiptoe. All the foot remains in contact with the floor or ground.

By this way, foot movement to go forward, backward, will be lighter and faster, gliding, of course after properly trained. But do not forget the principle of "Keep one Point", which has been described earlier.

We can train it by Tenkan and Ibodashi also in 'ashi-sabaki' (footwork).
In Training with Tenkan, we do tenkan continuously so that we as a whirling.
Initially will feel dizzy. If the head feels dizzy, this indicates we forgot the 'Center' or 'One Point" and also we do not breath regularly/ properly. So, if felt dizzy, immediately set breath and return our center.
In addition, when moving, Kamae position must be stable, not 'up-and-down', assuming that above our head is concrete-roof.

At least, this exercise tenkan around 30 counts, and then increased to 50 count and so on.
With this practice as expected, we can know more about one-Point/center and put weight on the balls of the feet, and maintain the balance of the body.

Hopefully useful,

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How To Keep One Point

One of the 4 Principles of Aikido is to 'Keep one Point".
Freely translated means 'focus' or 'center'.

Center point of Aikidoka (perhaps also the people) is in 'hara or tantien or seika no itten', a point which is located about 2 inch below the navel, in physics called 'center of gravity' or 'central point of the mass of the human'. It does not own physical shape.

To learn to recognize that point, we can start by remembering when we really-really want to urinate. That's is the area and just drawn forth near to back spine.
For women the thing is more easily, if remember the point of pain in lower stomach during menstruation, then the point is around there.

Another way to recognize 'One Point' is as follows:
1. Standing with the relaxed body, legs opened as wide as shoulder.
2. Lift one hand (right for example) to as high as shoulder, so the hand about 90 degrees to the body.
3. When lifting the hand, concentrate to the area around below the navel, feels what happens.
4. Hand still in position, then lift one leg (with the same hand up), feels what happens around below the navel
5. Silent a moment, about 2-3 seconds, the concentration is still around below the navel.
6. Lower hand and feet simultaneously with the normal speed, not too slow or too fast.

When the 'sense' could have felt, then we can train to lift and lower it slower or faster, and practice to maintain the 'one-point'.

Usually something will be felt around under the stomach caused by changes in the location of the center point of gravity of the body.

Once you recognize the point, 'familiarize' the point by always make it as the center of every movements and activities everyday, from walking, sitting, standing, running, lifting the scoop, closing the door, etc. Even when we ride Motorcycle, Bicycle, Driving Car (with Car Insurance :)), Playing Golf in Golf Course, etc. Then more trained in the techniques of Aikido.

Always Be patient and persistent...

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Hombu Dojo Grading System

I got this by the info of my contact..
This is the hombu Dojo Grading system,
To whoever will do the examination of Aikido to achieve higher Grade, i hope this could be useful.
Although it can be different to each dojo.

I hope I can find a good Curriculum (step-by step guide) in Aikido Learning, Including both Physical and Mental Aspects (like Ki exercising)

Click Here for Hombu Dojo Grading System

Hopefully useful,

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How To Relax Completely

Relax, relax.... we seem understand the meaning of that word, but in fact many people just 'seemed' relaxed/relaxing but is not 'really' relaxed. How this..?
I often be bothered with questions concerning the relaxing of my students.
According to me, relax is just relax....don't think about relax, just relax... :)

It is very understandable if the questions appears, because in Aikido training, we MUST RELAX..!! both, individuals and the atmosphere of the training...
I wonder that there are practitioners of Aikido still practice with grunt, and rage in hearts and cranky because their partners do not relax... ( I still also.... hehehehe...)
or when there is a student or partner who has 'a little weird in behavior', we become so provocated or so... Arrogant and imperious also can affect the value of relax....

This is one aspect that would be achieved from practicing Aikido,
Exercising to be patient and to relax while the problem appears...

When a technique would be done, Shite/Nage and Uke are still 'relax', when in Kamae Position they are still relax... but when the attack came....? tadaaaa...! the relax was lost!!
changed as a fighter, hungry to kill... wish to throw and lock and defeat their partner...
Moreover, if the attack is a grip or grab, both one hand or two hands (ryote tori, morote tori).
The hands that attacked difficult to move even with the help of 'fully muscle power', sometimes still difficult to apply the technique...

In fact, if we can Keep 'one point' and Keep 'weight underside', the relax condition that we expected will occur.
We often trapped by the term of relax which meant 'weak', okay, that's relax too, but in the same time we often not keeping the center (one point) and not keeping weight underside so when the attack came, the relax condition is gone...

To help understand the condition of relax, we can train the 'Unbendable arm'.
Just lift the arm to the front or slightly diagonally to the side with a relaxed, not tense the muscle. Ask a friend to help bend our arm, elbow...
When a friend try to bend our arm so we don't think about the arm or the friend, think only one point, or when we still can not think one point, just think about the pleasant thing...

Or we can use the position we will practice on the topic 'Keep one Point'.
On the one hand and the position of one leg lifted (with a relaxed, of course) ask a friend to lower our arms, but do not shocking...
Our thoughts remain on one point..

If you have been trained to exercise both of them, then always keep such condition in each movement / Aikido techniques and in daily life.
Do not forget, the sincere smile can also be very helpful.

So, we do not need to be bothered with the definition of relaxing, as relaxing is just relaxing...., not looks like relaxed, as well as the condition of walking, calm not 'seem' calm..
Muscle is an indicator, but the role is the Mind. Put your mind (or thoughts) at One Point and relax will be achieved.
Practice with diligence and care.... be persistent...:)

Hopefully useful...
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How To Extend Ki

How to Extend Ki..?? is the common question in the dojo of Aikido training...

Extend Ki, freely translated means 'to continue or prolong Ki'.
Before further discussion about extend Ki, we shall have a little short brief about Ki itself.

Ki, many interpret as a universal life force, the universal power of life/universe, life energy, the energy of the universe contained in the universe. Although many are sceptical about this because of it has not been proven whether it exist, the origin, matter and the transformation process if it is energy.
Thera are also interpretation that ki as the spirit or spirit of harmony and the power based on sensitivity.
So, do not worry, we all have in the vicinity of Ki and also there are abundant of Ki...

Many of the topics discussed about Ki training method, from the simple meditation and breathing exercise to tidy complex method, which is also associated with mudra, chakra and kundalini.
The simple way to exercise Ki is Ki Breathing that taught by Koichi Tohei, which we often practice it at the beginning and the end of Aikido Training.

Ki in Aikido more spiritual, which manifested by the work of mind, that's why Aikido often referred to as the art of unification of mind and body. body and mind coordination. This is based on the principle of Ki, namely" "Where mind goes, Ki follows...".

Based on the above principle, as long as we have mind we never had to worry about the occurence of Ki, If Ki really exist so it will work as long as our mind work....
If Ki exist, it will work... so, don't worry about Ki... :)

In connection with the mind, it certainly will be very closely linked with NIAT (intention, will).
I give more attention to the processsing of this NIAT (Intention, will). Since it is very, very fast compared with thinking, even light....

So, How to extend Ki??
What I understand till now is only set the intention and place it to my movement direction as far as possible and kepp the intention, when i tenkan, my intention is to tenkan very very wide...
i keep my intention, consistent, istiqomah...
There maybe people wh know the sundanese phylosophy, 'maneh arek, urang enggeus...( you will, i have finished...) or 'Mangga tipayun, abdi tiheula...'( please in front, i am first...)

Because Aikido concerning with harmonisation, so here are required sensitivity, sense. This is also a need to be trained so that we can be very sensitive to every movement and action-reaction that occurs. So, Ki can also be interpreted as 'Sense' (RASA).
Several years ago around 2002, i had discussions and sharing with a traditional sundanese martial artist that have been undertaken the level of 'Mustika Rasa'( a high grade).
We each showed several techniques that uses 'the sense' (his version) and extending Ki (mu version), so i finally take the conclusion to this is that Ki Closely related to Sense.

Perhaps 'the sense' is less in attention from many practitioner of Aikido, trapped in the glamour of the techniques, and the need to be looked spectacular, to defeat...
so the awareness sense was not trained...

Of no less importance is the Timing, this can be trained well with good sensitibity, so it seems we know what will the opponent do... seems like 'mind reader' maybe.... hehehe

So, to practice extend Ki, we can use the unbendable arm method, and also the method to train Keep one point(center) plus the zagi waza kokyu ho. Do not forget to sense the phenomenas that occur on and also in ourselves and around us...


hopefully useful,
Allahu'alam bishshowab,

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SECRET of KI ...

In Aikido, we often hear about 'EXTEND KI' ....
And to do it we must 'KEEP ONE POINT' as The center of Ki, the sea of Chi, although i considered it as the center of gravity, the center point of human mass.

As long as i learn Aikido, there are still many questions about Ki itself.
As to the concept of Ki, the universe is full of Ki, Ki is abundant and very powerful and useful.
We live with Ki. When we drive a car, truck, motorbike, bicycle, riding a horse. or when we play golf, musics, buy property at new york, trading forex or stocks, drinking lemon at california beach. whoever, whatever, wherever, whenever...

What is Ki, is it just applied to whoever believe it? or to everyone?
Does Ki will be activated by meditation, chakra and kundalini practices?? is it the same thing?
or is it just mind power? is there inducing, seducing hypnosys?

I watched a video clip (here) that shown people who believed have ability in Ki manipulation.
It Looks great! amazing! people thrown or down without getting touched. like magics! or there is a secret??
However, there were sceptic persons who did not affected by the ability of Ki.
so, is it Ki or what? or Ki is equal to something that has to believed so it will work?
I still sceptical and still search the truth of Ki....

lemon law sceptic aikido bandung indonesia
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Aikido, using opponent's forces...?

The statement seems easy to understand, but often in practice many questions arise from the practitioners, especially the beginner...
When the uke attacks/overflowing with swift (as there running or even jumping) this maybe relatively easy t anticipate.
Moreover, if only 1 person. How about the case when opponents slowly get closer and launched attacks very quickly, or hold (Grab) with a strong and static power? with a larger and taller and powerful grip (hold) with strong and big hands? when nage/shite is not possible to do atemi? or even when we must not hurt the uke..?

lemon law sceptic aikido bandung indonesia
...

Aikido, My Point of View...

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art, founded by O'sensei Morihei Ueshiba. He learned ancient Jujutso from Sokaku Takeda. Sokaku's techniques is fierce and devastating. After met his Spiritual Teacher, Morihei changed his techniques and become Aikido.

Aikido as martial art based it's techniques on Harmony with the universal. The Spirit of Love is needed in apllying techniques of Aikido. (Martial Art with Love spirit.... :))

Based on Book : Ki in Daily Life, written by Kochi Tohei, there are 4(four) basic principles of Aikido:

1. Keep One Point
2. Completely Relax
3. Keep Weight underside
4. Extend Ki

In practice, many practitioners of Aikido have not yet understand about these four principles.
Many of them still use their muscle power to apply Aikido techniques rather than try to blend with opponents.

Is it hard to learn Aikido....?
Being sceptical maybe can help in learning Aikido.....

I hope it useful.....
Allahu'alam Bishshowab...

lemon law sceptic aikido bandung

Aikido is Martial art...

Aikido is Japanese Martial Art, yes... Martial art..
The Founder is O' Sensei Morihei Ueshiba....
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