Resistance is Futile
During Aikido practice, one person acts as the attacker (uke) while the other person learns to execute a technique (nage). Without an attack, there is no need to perform a technique. A proper attack is half of an Aikido technique. As Endo Sensei once said, "I do not do ikkyo. We [Nage and Uke] do ikkyo together."
All too often, however, ukes get confused between attacking and resisting. After their initial contact with the nage, ukes brace themselves, stiffen up and resist the movements of their partners, thinking that they are "continuing with the attack". Some ukes are perplexed by the awkward ukemi they have to take, while some continue to think, "But you can't move me!"
I sometimes jokingly ask students: "Have you ever heard of anybody being injured or killed because someone resists his movements?"
Resistance is NOT an attack. More than often, while resisting, ukes brace themselves by anchoring to the ground. They have no idea they are totally open, as a result. Aikido is about owning and controlling the center -- the center of the uke and nage together. Resistance only pushes the ukes further and further away from the center of the union. The only good way out is to stay close to the center and move with the nage.
Aikido is like life: You cannot change the world, but you can always change yourself to adjust. Ultimately, resistance only brings your demise.
Watch this video [Octopus Aikidoka]. If an octopus can do it, I am sure you can, too.
All too often, however, ukes get confused between attacking and resisting. After their initial contact with the nage, ukes brace themselves, stiffen up and resist the movements of their partners, thinking that they are "continuing with the attack". Some ukes are perplexed by the awkward ukemi they have to take, while some continue to think, "But you can't move me!"
I sometimes jokingly ask students: "Have you ever heard of anybody being injured or killed because someone resists his movements?"
Resistance is NOT an attack. More than often, while resisting, ukes brace themselves by anchoring to the ground. They have no idea they are totally open, as a result. Aikido is about owning and controlling the center -- the center of the uke and nage together. Resistance only pushes the ukes further and further away from the center of the union. The only good way out is to stay close to the center and move with the nage.
Aikido is like life: You cannot change the world, but you can always change yourself to adjust. Ultimately, resistance only brings your demise.
Watch this video [Octopus Aikidoka]. If an octopus can do it, I am sure you can, too.
Comments
Post a Comment