Dabbling with the technical aspects of Aikido is like talking about art and then claiming that you are an artist. Sometimes you just have to stop playing around the edges, jump in and get your hands dirty.

As with most endeavours, it is the mental state you are in which makes the difference between failure and success.

Without confidence, one is unable to commit to physical movement. It can be manifested through excessive force or a timid technique both out of fear of failure. In each of these cases, the body is unable to move freely and in a co-ordinated manner as negative emotions override the body-mind’s wisdom.

I discuss this in more detail with my investigation of one’s body-mind.

If you look beyond aikido, you can find numerous examples of the importance of having an absolute sense of confidence.

Rock climbers can tell you how trusting your feet and the grip it provides is essential to tackling the more difficult bouldering problems. It is like a catch-22. If you don’t apply enough weight through your feet, you won’t achieve adequate friction against the rock, and to apply that kind of weight, you must trust your feet.

Likewise with the traction a motorcycle tire provides in a curve. The grip must be trusted so that you feel confident to use the throttle, and the use of throttle increases the tire’s grip by shifting the motorcycle’s weight towards the rear.

Anthony Robbins in his seminars often speaks of finding that state of absolute confidence, and using it to catapult you into success. Foster that same spirit of the samurai’s of old and live in a world of unshakable confidence.