We certainly do not become physically stronger to the same extent that our Aikido improves. Sure, during the early days we may see some increase in physical bulk as our bodies become accustomed to taking ukemi and receiving the impact of kicks and punches, however not inline with our abilities to throw those bigger than ourselves. So what is it within ourselves that improves?

 

Through the evasion and redirection of forces from partners far stronger than us, we soon discover that strength is useless without a reference point. By connecting strongly to the ground, we are able to exert tremendous amounts of ‘useful’ force, and reduce wasted energy. Improvements in posture and alignment can maximise our connection to the Earth, and tap into our body’s potential energy enabling us to produce far more power than normally possible.

 

Through improved relaxation, the forces we can apply against our attacker take on the shape of complex spirals which a simple stance is not designed to be strong against. These forces are akin to streams of water which seep though an opponent’s outer defences and undermine their foundations. As a result, the effort required to execute our techniques reduces.

 

The ability to produce spiralling forces is one thing, but to actually control and apply it in a meaningful way is another thing. As with any physical movement, the intricacies of its execution are driven from the subconscious mind. Through training we improve our ability to leave responsibility of movement to our subconscious. Because Aikido involves complex movements from toes to fingertips, the improvements you get from aikido go far beyond the benefits you can gain from common sports which often utilise repetitive macro movements. Add to this the creativity of spontaneously reacting to infinite variations of multiple attackers during randori and it truly becomes an amazing thing.

 

So, we can physically produce and effectively apply complex forces, but where to? As the years of our training pass us by, we extend our sense of intuition to instantly know where to apply these forces in an attack situation. It’s the ability to observe from a centred position, see through the illusions and grasp the essence of a situation. The master aikidoka can see the ‘shadows’ of a person and know with absolute certainty where to apply a small force which will disrupt an attacker’s structure even before physical movement is manifested.

 

These ‘shadows’ can shift around a person in accordance with their intention, breath and mental attitude at the time. Through training, not only can we discern these shadows, but we come to ‘predict’ their movement and seemingly perform jedi-like moves which disrupt our assailants with only a small amount of effort. This skill to read people and their intentions is a subtle one which comes upon us unannounced, but is often apparent when training with a much junior aikidoka.

 

Attackers can be scary people, even within the relative safety of a Dojo. Being constantly pushed to the limit and forever searching for the way to ‘see’ clearly and wean milliseconds from our reaction times, builds a strong centre and stable mind. We discover the chains of fear, pride and limited thought and the limitations they place on our ability to perform. Through meditation and purification, we continuously let go of these burdens to gradually achieve our strongest state and allow our bodies to work according to the laws of the universe.

 

Once we break through the seemingly impossible barriers our seniors place upon us in training, we come to the realisation that these were barriers of our own making.  We can realise that all things are within our realm of responsibility. Our own growth and the limits thereof, are constructs of our own minds and bodies. This understanding empowers us to move forward and discover our self-worth.

 

Probably one of the most significant improvements however, is the discovery that we are all beginners relative to the vast possibilities of the universe. Those whom we might have once thought lesser than us in experience, ability and skill, are really our peers and should be given an equal measure of respect as they deserve.