Over the years I’ve heard the statement made that Aikido is “without form”. I believe that this is a result of both misinterpretation of O-Sensei’s views and misunderstanding of Aikido pedagogy. My views are distinctly influenced by my Iwama Style background, but I think O-Sensei left quite a bit of evidence behind indicating that while HIS Aikido was without form, the path to getting to “Aikido without form” is not devoid of intense focus on form.
This is the first installment in a five post series discussing the role of “mindset” in serious Budo training. This post discusses “Zanshin”, or “Remaining Mind”.
This is the first installment in a five post series discussing the role of “mindset” in serious Budo training. This post discusses “Shoshin”, or “Beginner’s Mind”.
There are some commonly held, and evolving, misconceptions about Aikido, some of which are held by Aikido practitioners. The Aikido of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei is a martial art. It’s not a “health system” or a form of “dance”. This post discusses these misconceptions.
Studying Iwama-Style Aikido is a true path to understanding the legacy that O-Sensei left behind.
