[Discuss
this Article]
It is very difficult to understand the motives of all the people we
come into contact with in our training. We may misjudge someone's
character or desire. We may be so caught up in our own abilities we
look down on those we do not know or understand. Mostly this is done
out of inexperience, not true malice.
Let me relate this story to you: Several years ago I had undergone
severe surgery related to a chronic illness. I had been put on a
medicine called prednisone, which caused me to gain weight, 160 pounds
to 210 pounds in two months. My body would not respond to normal
commands. My mental state was severe depression. I was ready to give
up life. My students, some older than I with greater life experience,
understood the danger. They knew my sensei was teaching a seminar
several hundred miles away. They chipped in and got me a plane
ticket. One stayed with me on the flight.
They got me to the city and to the dojo. Someone helped me get dressed
and onto the mat. I listened and watched as sensei taught. Several
times young aikidoka came up and asked me to train. I politely
refused. Several times I heard. "Why is he on the mat. If he doesn't
want to train he should get off the mat. Who does this guy think he
is." By the end I could only smile at these remarks, because I knew
why I was there and how much I had gained. I know there are others of
you that have experienced similar situations. There have been many
times over the years that this type of situation has occurred with me.
Compassion, love and understanding will serve us well. Especially if
we don't know what is going on around us. We may unknowingly, at any
time, be witness to a life and death struggle. A kind word,
tolerance, a gentle touch and the strength of our compassion may be
the aspects of martial valor that are the key to someone's victory.
Some of us, given our physical condition, must train, metaphorically
speaking, in the valley, or on the mountain. We are very seldom
allowed the luxury of a plateau. When in the valley we seek to polish
the mirror, and when on the mountain we grind the stone. In the valley
we may lack the physical attributes necessary for vigorous training as
defined by the "normal" martial artist. When we are in the valley, we
are at a physical low point. At this time we polish the mirror of our
inner self. A teacher being aware of the situation may structure the
class so as to give necessary training to all students.
For instance, much detail may given to the attack so it is as
physically correct as we are capable of doing. Good body posture and
extension of energy and a solid foundation with a firm center are some
of the things we are looking for, in our self, and those people
assisting us in the learning process. The same thing applies to the
technique being studied. A good deal of emphasis is placed on
correctness and going only as fast as correctness, and physical
ability, will allow. By doing attack and defense in this manner we can
learn the proper technique. We can begin to polish the mirror of
Aikido within our self. We work on the exactness of the technique
until the realness of the technique is reflected in our heart and
body, in our movement, and in the ability to harmonize with our
partners. By polishing the mirror in such a way we become a
reflection of proper technique, both as uke and nage. By being a good
reflection of exact application we eliminate much of the danger
involved with each technique. That is, we reflect the innate
correctness of Aikido. I have often seen sensei teach technique in
such a way, in regular class and at seminars. I have often heard the
young lions growl at such unrealistic training. I have seen some of
the old warriors light up at being given the opportunity to polish the
mirror a little more. This type of training has seen some of us
through many a valley. It helps develop and prepare the body, mind and
spirit for the ascent back up the mountain.
Back on the mountain we are now ready to begin the process of grinding
the stone. Grinding away the rough edges of our ego that sits like a
jagged stone at the center of our being, causing pain and discomfort
to our life. Grinding the stone means to work hard and fast with our
mind fixed on the task at hand. We can grind the stone in relative
safety, providing we have spent sufficient time in polishing the
mirror. As uke and nage we work together grinding off the rough
edges. I give myself to you, and you give your self to me in total
trust. I assist you in the grinding and polishing process. In turn,
you assist me, and when we are finished we are smoother, happier and
better for the effort. We continue to practice polishing the mirror
and grinding the stone until the mirror of our spirit is a perfect
reflection of true self and the surface of the stone is as smooth as
the mirror. We are in harmony with ourselves and our environment.
So don't be upset if the techniques are hard and fast, or slow and
exact. We should not be upset if we do not understand why techniques
don't look like those we have become comfortable with. We should not
be upset with other students whose motives we do not fully
understand. But we should ask ourselves where does the true value lie
in this training, because there is value in all training.
This is my way of training and it has been a process of necessity with
me. It was a long time ago that sensei taught me to take advantage of
the valleys. When we are physically unable to grind the stone we must
polish the mirror. We must work on those things spiritual and reflect
proper and positive attitude. By doing this we will also be helping
the physical side of our being grow. By polishing the mirror and
working on those things spiritual we will find the physical growing
stronger. As the physical side grows we can grind the stone.
Some people that have a great deal of physical prowess only grind the
stone. They forget to polish the mirror, or just don't see the value
of it. Others only polish the mirror, and see no value in grinding the
stone. I say polish and grind for all your worth because you may lose
the physical ability to grind, or the spiritual patience to polish.
I once asked an Aikido Teacher (who I considered to be strictly a
stone grinder) why he did not work with people less than physically
correct. His answer was that he was not a salvage worker. He took
good people and made them better. I don't know when or why he changed
but now his life's work is salvaging people who are outcast of
society, and some quite dangerous.
If you have people come into your dojo or club who have some type of
physical malady, please do not expect them to be less able than the
other students. You may find that they do indeed have a good deal of
strength and spirit. I have had students missing limbs, and students
with various illnesses. They may be able to learn only a few
techniques, but they understand the value of what they have
learned. They can grasp the concept of polishing the mirror and
grinding the stone, and they know when to do each. I have a friend who
is an accomplished Karate teacher. He has an artificial ankle and
steel rods where bone used to be in his leg. His knees are scarred
from surgery. When I see him come to Aikido class and sit in seiza I
know he has paid a price much dearer than that paid by most on the
mat. Wearing a white belt and humble soul he comes to polish the
mirror. He, like many we find on the Aikido mat today, spent his
younger life grinding the stone. I would caution the young lions who
show little tolerance for those who train differently. You may have a
warrior standing before you. Compassion, love and understanding will
serve you well.
O-Sensei discovered Aikido for all of us, not just those of us who are
physically correct.
Dennis Hooker
Shindai Aikikai
Orlando Fl.
[Discuss
this Article]
|