Aiki-Themes

This week's Aiki-theme is 'Mitori Keiko' or training by observation. Aikido is learned cognitively in many ways. One particularly important way to learn is to observe. Often the student is eager to try out the movement when they see and experience the elegance and beauty of Aikido being applied from a masterful teacher. Often the eagerness takes over and the student no longer is in observation mode. Whilst eagerness is definitely a positive attribute, the enthusiasm to try the movement can take over the observation of essential points including safety points and the details which make the movement effective. As a consequence the student may apply a technique dangerously or enter a state of frustration having not entirely observed and grasped what the teacher was conveying. It is encouraged, therefore, to maintain attention to what the teacher is doing rather than go into overdrive into one's own thoughts. It's easier said than done. Applying good observation is an art in itself!