Reminder        Hakama

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.

Reminder        Hakama