Debbie Murray
People come to Aikido for many reasons: self-defense, better control of one's body movement, learn to remain calm in stressful situations, keep fit and flexible. Aikido can satisfy all of these needs and, no matter what benefit a student initially seeks, he or she will find other goals as they continue to practice. In Aikido, we learn how to harmonize our movements with those of our partner, guiding each other to a safe and secure finish, when this happens without effort I believe a core aims of Aikido has been found.
Andy Rogers
Circular movements are key to applying technique but more important in harmonising with your training partner “going with the flow”. The use of one’s physical strength undermines this key element of aikido and slows down learning. Practice should include good balance, free and easy movement, increase awareness of your centre (hara) and correct breathing (kokyu) to release energy at the right time. All this makes Aikido more than just a martial art. |
