This one is mainly for the instructors out there, but it is relevant to all. Remember that everyone is a teacher on some level, even if your only student happens to be yourself.

Important to the philosophy of Aikido is having a flexible response to an opponent’s attack. To fully embrace this ideal, a teacher should also be flexible in his/her teaching methods.

Everyone’s life and personality is unique which impacts the way they receive and digest information. I think it’s important to be ever mindful of these differences, and constantly adapt your teaching method for each student. This flexibility in teaching is in itself a way we as instructors can grow.

Also, our students while beginners in aikido may be accomplished, dancers, singers, surfers, cooks etc. They could quite possibly be masters in their field who have regularly experienced they joy of being in the moment. Imagine the progress they could achieve by tapping into that mastery and connect it to their Aikido training.

On occasion, out of some necessity we are required to modify our teaching method; perhaps through injury, limitations of the training area, or type of students. It is in these situations that we discover new ways of disseminating the secrets of aikido, often with splendid results.

I believe that as instructors we should apply our teaching to our students just as we would any aikido technique. With a strong intent, stable centre and adaptable delivery, our teachings should wash over out students and soak into the cracks of their minds.

It is surprising to think that as instructors of a martial art which embraces flexibility, we can also be the most stubborn and old fashioned.