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Reminder
in Aikido Practice
When the Founder was requested to
have dojo regulations, he wrote down these “Reminders in Aikido practice”:
Proper aikido can never be mastered unless one strictly follows the
instructor’s teaching.
 Aikido as a martial art
is perfected by being alert to everything
going on around us and leaving no vulnerable opening (suki).
Practice becomes joyful and pleasant once one has trained
enough not to be bothered by pain.
Do not be satisfied with what has been taught at the dojo. One
must constantly digest, experiment and develop what one
has
learned.
One should never force things unnaturally or unreasonably in
practice. He should undertake training suited to his
body, physical
condition and age.
The aim of aikido is to develop the truly human self. It should not
be used to display ego.
A common stereotype of martial arts is the rugged macho type with swaggering
gait. However a display of bravado is evidence of ignorance concerning real
budo and is in fact a childish attempt to conceal a lack of confidence.
Those having true knowledge of budo are relaxed in bearing: they even give
the impression of being soft and gentle. Those with confidence in Budo never
swagger or brag, and their demeanor is always pleasant and joyful. Outwardly
they manifest gentleness, inwardly there is great strength. In daily life
they are unpretentious and modest, and their actions are natural, never
forced. They show themselves as they are, living life naturally and
spontaneously. This is the picture of the true student of the martial arts.
When such people gather for aikido practice, the atmosphere is indeed
naturally pleasant and joyful.
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