“This is the way.” The phrase serves as an encapsulation of the way of life of the Mandalorian tribe in the sci-fi series, The Mandalorian. In many ways, the phrase applies to Aikido; which literally translates to “The Way of Flowing Energy”. By embracing and living this mindset, Aikidoka learn how the art transcends the physical and encompasses how to approach life itself. In practicing the three principles and six concepts of Tomiki Aikido, we learn to experience life from a new perspective that encourages growth, love, and reflection.
The concept of gentleness (junon) teaches us to not lash out with strength and aggression; instead responding with soft but intentional purpose, allowing us to redirect an attack into an outcome we decide. Rather than stopping or blocking an attack, we change its direction, forcing compliance through sheer momentum or unexpected pain. Conversely, when we approach life with a soft touch, taking care to avoid unnecessary conflict and moving negative energy, rather than meeting it with our own, we find peace and don’t lose ourselves in anger. We resolve conflict in a way that doesn’t compromise our morality. Maturity comes from not being a hammer that see’s every problem as a nail, but rather to recognize the tender care in which we must address most things in life.
Aggression must be unbalanced so that it cannot sustain its threat. The concept of kuzushi confirms this truth. Aikidoka have an inherent advantage in our often unsuspecting nature. Simply appearing non-threatening is enough to provide false confidence to an aggressor, causing all the more surprise and confusion when we do respond. We are not dodging attacks so much as parrying, each maneuver intentionally placing us into a response. To cause surprise and confusion is to obtain control. When two Aikidoka spar it is often protection from kuzushi that causes stalemates or frustration. We acknowledge the value of preventing unbalancing because we recognize just how much control it grants. A frequent example that is raised when it comes to practical application of Aikido involves a “drunken uncle” scenario – subduing someone you care about in a way that prevents them from hurting themselves. Graciously, the simple act of unbalancing someone can often be sobering enough to lessen aggression. When we reveal to people just how vulnerable their anger makes them, clarity soon arrives.
The efficacy of kuzushi is beholden to how much you hide with your posture. Natural Posture
(shizentai no ri) refers to your level of preparedness to move in any direction and respond
appropriately in a given situation, often concealing your intentions until you have already
initiated them. When we approach others with obvious signs of fear or frustration, we trigger
defense mechanisms and conflict. Simultaneously, presenting poor posture can encourage
aggression, which can be advantageous in sparring (if a pretense and not a reality), but is often
not something we desire in our day to day lives. Presenting an air of confidence, without being
imposing, and having an innate sense of our bodies and how they move will always grant us an
advantage in life. Regardless of how many techniques you know, you must be ready and able to
transition to something else in an instant. This reflects life itself – which often throws us curve
balls and requires us to be ready to adapt and adjust at a moment’s notice.
Along with the three principles of Tomiki Aikido, there are the six concepts: eye contact
(metsuke), proper distance (maai), centerline (seichusen), tegatana (hand sword), ido ryoku (the
power of motion), and focused energy (toitsu ryoku). While these concepts are best considered
as direct applications of Aikido, there are echoes of them in life as well. Eye contact can be
understood as remaining alert and aware of threats, addressing them as appropriate and not
being distracted. When threats have been identified and “locked on to”, proper distancing
ensures we remain out of reach of them or at least in the position that is most advantageous for
us to respond, with a focus on protecting our centerline and disrupting another’s. As an art that
avoids punches and kicks, our hand swords are our weapons, which could be best understood
as recognizing the “right tool for the job” when it comes to addressing a threat. When conflict is
unavoidable, we are not only responding to the motion the aggressor provides but generating
our own motion, not just to get out of the way but also to generate further power. Provided we
have successfully generated an off balancing and are moving appropriately, we now control this
energy, it is focused through our intention as opposed to our opponents.
The antagonistic issue doesn’t have to be an angry attacker hurling fist in our direction. It can be an argument about a contentious topic, where giving focused attention to an opposing side, while keeping emotional distance, focusing on the appropriate targets and ensuring we stay balanced ourselves, using smartly chosen responses appropriate for the situation, while recognizing and following the “flow” of the conversation – gently focusing it to the core disagreement – allows us to come to a peaceful resolution or at least avoid further escalation.
In life, I have used my nature and intelligence to avoid aggression but despite not having a physical altercation beyond my high school years, I recognize that I use Aikido everyday. Most people enjoy my gentleness, I am often able to redirect frustrations towards finding solutions rather than stoking conflict, and I try to be balanced and prepared for whatever comes my way. As with all things in life, it is a constant struggle, requiring intentionality and practice. The loss of my sister, aunt, dog and car all within the span of year proved particularly challenging and yet I found myself falling back on Aikido and learning how to overcome grief using the principles and concepts. When you are constantly trying to control the flow of energy there will be times when it slips out of your hands, where you become painfully aware of your own shortcomings. The most profound thing I’ve learned about Aikido is that sometimes, you are sparring with yourself and your own insecurities. But you return to shizentai no ri, you find and protect your seichusen, and you laugh when life shows you kuzushi. After all… this is the way.
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