Always Learning
by G. Hirata
I spent 6 days training with Irie Sensei in February 2008, 3 days in Hilo and 4 in Honolulu. During this time he offered many instructional tidbits. I’ve listed below what I recall. They are what I think he tried to communicate, though I’m sure there is more to them than what I’ve written.
Keiko wa misogi desu. When training, give yourself fully to the practice. Keep going, even when tired and out of breath. Don’t think about the condition of your body; don’t socialize; stay focused on the practice.
The dojo is a spiritual place. It is much more like a church than a gym. We should conduct ourselves accordingly.
Never use force when doing an aikido technique. It will cause your partner to resist.
Uke must always strive to do a proper attack. Only then can nage properly practice a technique. It is important that nage and uke blend with one another.
When practicing, be prepared to use your whole body. There may be times when you need to stand on tip toes. Standing on tip toes may be necessary to maintain proper contact with your partner when you are the uke.
Don’t force a technique. When attempting a certain technique, if the path for doing it is blocked (e.g., uke’s body is not in the correct position for the technique), change to a technique that is more appropriate (for the way uke’s body is positioned, for example).
Proper breathing is essential. Try to breathe smoothly, as when doing kokyu-ho, instead of taking sharp, jerky breaths. Try to blend your breathing with your movements.
In every technique, there are points that call for the expansion of your body, concentrating on your center, and contracting your body. Your breathing should correspond to these points. Breathe in during expansion and breathe out during contraction.
When doing a technique, be aware of the contact points between you and your partner.
Irimi is a basic concept and technique of aikido. Even when the technique requires a movement that is not directly at your partner, your center must be directed at your partner’s center.
Face in the direction you are moving. When doing a tenkan, turn your face in the direction of the motion; you should be looking “forward.”
When doing a tenkan, plant the foot around which you are turning. Don’t move this foot throughout the tenkan movement.
Aikido practice is not competition. The focus should not be on whether you are better (or stronger or faster) than your partner, but always on “how can I do this technique better." When practicing you must work on your inner self. ■