My journey with Masters of Aiki - 5

Sword and Mind

90's YMCA Sri Lanka Aikido Family

When I started learning my first strike (Atemi) it was always told, use unbendable arm that means sword hand. My first understanding of this was keeping the hand strong so it won’t bend. The second stage I was wondering what is strong hand? Was it a stiff tight muscle or relax lose muscle? Then my master use to say the famous story of playing the guitar. It is like the string of the guitar.  If you tight it to much the string will break if you lose it you can’t play the instrument. The aim is to keep it tuned so it can play god music.

Aiki strike or sword cut should display the same rhythm and flow as playing musical instrument. Its direct connection of mind and body how much energy is put in to it and speed with entire body , breath and thought unifying in that moment of strike. The best quote from Bruce Lee may help to dive deep into the aspect of a strike.

"Before I learned the art, a punch was just a punch, and a kick, just a kick.
After I learned the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick, no longer a kick.
Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch and a kick is just a kick."

My journey with Masters of Aiki - 4

NAGE – Projection of mind & body

Nage is living the moment. Projecting into the reality of the present. It’s the root of every movement in Aikido. The first and the last, the circle of harmony between internal and external world. Just entering without fear, the Nage concept carries hundreds of year’s experience of warrior code, practice, mental and spiritual maturity. The principle of ending a conflict before it begins or the choice of one blow on life. To understand it takes a whole life time cause living the present will give the ability to analyze the past and dive into future.

1st Day Experience of an Aikido Beginner

"It was a great pleasure to join Aikido class conducted by Master Guru on 14th May 2016.

I have practiced few martial arts in my school and university days but Aikido is something inspired me very much because I felt very calm & energetic and looking forward to master the art to strengthen my mental and physical health. 

The class was very friendly and practical comparing with other martial arts that I had practiced in the past. I was enjoying professional teaching method and I am sure everyone can practice this art for healthy life."

Rajesh. R 

Enterprise Development Manager,

Berendina Micro Finance Institute (Gte) Ltd, 

My journey with Masters of Aiki - 3

UKE – Situational Consciousness ( " one who receives" , the one who take the fall)

Advancing of being UKE in Aikido becomes much more pleasurable experience. It’s more like your expanding yourself creating a link with nature and environment.  I don’t mean this experience will occur in few months’, years of training and guidance under the right master is crucial. By understanding the limitations of the body, mind will do the necessary transformation physically and mentally to adopt and advance the ability to reach different levels. 

Situational consciousness is one of strength that will be developed through proper training.  Knowing (sensing) what’s happening around you and knowing and reacting or not reacting in the right way is situational consciousness. Nothing mystical about it like in the movies or stories. The ability is unique feature of Aiki development such as connecting with the energy of another human or the surroundings. 

The higher purpose or achievement is learning to respect life and nature with its full potential.

My journey with Masters of Aiki - 2

Best of the Best Martial Arts Event

UKE ( " one who receives" , the one who take the fall)

While my initial attempts to overcome or to settle in the seiza sitting posture was progressing. Being the Uke (training to receive the partners techniques/moves or force) was very tricky. Where the body needs to adjust into different postures, sometime I would say unusual mindset. I repeatedly hear the word relax from my seniors. I always wonder what part to relax? My hands? Shoulders? Hip? Legs …the list go endless. Simple understanding of relaxing the whole body is like a life time lesson. Because whenever I try to relax, I would get the comment No that’s not it. Give a firm hold or grip. I felt like doing yoga postures, aerobics, taichi and gymnastic all at the same time. So how to be a Uke? 

Uke is not just falling. My personal approach of becoming a Uke was getting back to my roots. An infant stage, when a baby holds your finger the grip is very firm the entire finger is wrapped in such a gentle way.  This attitude and mindset being pure and honest gives awareness. Aware of your partner, surrounding and situation. Uke consciousness had save my life few times and helps me to come out of critical situations in life.

Transformation into Uke consciousness will give access and channels to know the hidden potential and secrets about you and nature. 

My journey with Masters of Aiki -1

Seeing is believing. Sometimes seeing is deceiving.  My first Aikido class lesson was the above.  Being involved in hard physical training and facing a few practical situations in life has given me a high level of confidence in my strength and ability to fight. Or how should I put it arrogance / ego. I was pretty sure my body can take anything and my mind can cope up with any training. The first day training was a big blow for it.

Sitting in the kneeling position (Seiza – Japanese traditional style of sitting) was a major challenge. I couldn’t handle it for five minutes. I have to shift to cross leg sitting posture.  All the confidence of that my body will listen to my mind was shattered. The basic Ukemi ( rolling forward in a flow without damaging the  head) was the second difficult task.  My Years of physical training and sports was nothing when it comes to relaxing the body and mind. 

The secret I learn from my seniors was to let it go.  Empty myself and start from zero.