Training on the mat is not realistic, and nor is it meant to be. It is important to understand the ins and outs of the mat to get the most out of your training.

In training, the tori attempts to perform a very specific technique. In essence, they are very restricted in what they can do to the uke’s attack. For this reason the attack must be very specific. It also must simulate a situation where the attacker is unaware of what the thrower will do. You would be surprised how exact an attack needs to be - changing a grip a few degrees can make a world of difference.

Techniques are rarely performed at a realistic speed and force for safety reasons. Especially, when learning the intricacies of a particular move, the technique may be performed slowly or in a step by step manner. The attacker must keep this in mind, and adjust their speed to match that of the defender to simulate a real attack performed in slow motion. The attacker should not shuffle their feet or regain their balance if the nage pauses during a throw.

Teachers out there will be able to relate to the “What happens if I do this?” question. This is really a nonsense question which has very little value. So many aspects of the conflict situation are disregarded in this question. What is the terrain and surrounds like? Are you protecting another party? Are you potentially facing more than one attacker? What are the chances that you will be attacked in the exact same manner?

Training on the mat is to understand how to use our self as a weapon. We do this by repeatedly practising set techniques which encompass a number of principles on which aikido is based. During class always remind yourself that you are not preparing yourself for a real life conflict scenario, but rather to tighten the slack in the body, and purify both mind and spirit.