One of the main characteristics of aikido is it aim to see a peaceful resolution to conflict. It has after all been referred to the “Art of Peace” by its founder. As in our mind we do not wish to ‘hurt’ our partner, the use of atemi in training can become largely cosmetic.

If your aikido technique is such that you cannot strongly strike your opponent’s vulnerabilities and are unable to completely disable your attacker, you are probably deluding yourself. The aikidoka should be able to promote peace by choice, not out of necessity. You are not really qualified to fly the peace banner if you are actually incapable of  hurting your attacker in the first place.

To be truly capable of peace is an extremely lofty goal and one which masters only reach later in their lives. It takes many years of hard training both physically and mentally.

Until we are the wise sage of deep seated spiritual strength, our focus should be on developing ourselves rather than being peaceful. We should use our youthful agility, and strength to train hard and hold in our hearts the spirit of utterly destroying our opponent. Over time, this builds within us an immovable confidence which is the foundation of leadership and the promotion of peace.

I believe peace should be brought about in the world by applying the technique severely but throwing gently.

“Waza wa kibishi, ukemi wa shizukani”

Saito Morihiro Sensei  (1928 - 2002)