Proficiency and Aikido, by Francis Takahashi

Perhaps not quite common knowledge, but it is no secret that the Founder, and Aikikai Foundation, the organization developed by the late Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, remained committed to maintaining appropriate and lasting relationships with most of the Founder’s students, past and current. Organizations such as the Yoshinkan (Gozo Shioda), Yoseikan (Minoru Mochizuki), Takemusu Aikido (Morihiro Saito), Nishio Aikido (Shoji Nishio), amongst others, retained positive and respectful ties to Aikikai Foundation, and still appear to do so. In terms of legitimacy and genuineness of purpose, there never was, nor should there ever be, any need to “rank,” or otherwise categorize any individual or organization by any standard other than the unconditional allegiance to the principles of the Founder’s Aikido.

“Proficiency,” which will always be a key goal of training, is not, nor should ever be a part of any conversation regarding any evaluation or comparison of the Aikikai Foundation’s system of Aikido, with those of any other Aikido system developed consistently with the Founder’s Aikido. For all such systems, the fact of proficiency in their own respective applications, is a given, and not a basis for comparison or contrast. They all have their roots, and legitimacy, stemming directly from their connection to the Founder, his vision, mission, and to the principles he advocated and lived.

To do Aikido “the right way,” then, when is it ever “good enough?” Does each student of Aikido need to aspire primarily to “martial excellence,” as opposed to the study and pursuit of any other values inherent in Aikido research and training? Was it the Founder’s intent to train “super warriors,” or to encourage and assist in the growth of extraordinary and accountable human beings?

When one learns a new language, or even the one native to that person, must it be with the purpose of being able to ultimately write scientific or literary articles, blockbuster novels, or widely acclaimed treatises for a PhD. degree? Would any lesser degree of achievement be deemed a “failure,” or be ignominiously tagged with the status of being ordinary or even mediocre?

When one learns mathematics, how much study is “far enough,” in order to successfully apply such knowledge to earn a decent living and to enjoy the benefits of society? Should even an obviously talented student be prepared to “apologize” or to “justify” not having continued his or her studies towards advanced degrees, and not be accepted by his peers, friends and family?

Aikido, like any study worth the time and effort, is extremely generous and forgiving to those who begin the path of training, and who find different drop off points, that allow them to change to other interests and priorities, while being grateful nonetheless for the time spent training, growing and enjoying their limited time in the dojo with new friends, some for life. Let us not begrudge those who appear to “quit too soon.” Rather, let us rejoice that we did have the time we had together, and be grateful for the gift of Aikido we joyfully shared with each other. This brand of “proficiency” is one I unconditionally embrace, and wholeheartedly accept as fully sufficient and appropriate.

The Founder did realize that his journey was most unique, even amongst the select complement of exceptional “shugyosha” of his time. He was willing to pay whatever price such a commitment demanded, and did indeed pay a high price. By doing so, he also accepted both the positive results and achievements, and the oftentimes grievous consequences, with the same spirit of equanimity. It was never his stated intention that those most talented and skilled of his students, be required or otherwise coerced into following his personal path, either in whole, or even in part. He remained consistently clear that the Aikido he called his, was his alone. Anyone else had to independently research the Aiki Principles Library on their own, painstakingly select those elements they were willing to incorporate into their study, and thus create their own unique formulas, and their very own Aikido.

Even as Aikido has enjoyed a huge proliferation of popularity, acceptance, and well-earned acknowledgement over the decades, it remains my belief that all committed students of the Founder’s Aikido, of all stripes and affiliations, remain connected, at some level, to one another in Aiki history and tradition, maintaining respect for each other’s right to choose a “style” of practice, and to remain committed to a continuing brotherhood, affirmed by our individual, and very unique application of Aiki principles to our respective lives.

Perhaps it is time for the current “student body” of Ueshiba Aiki, to “get real,” and to acknowledge that our seeming differences of understanding, methods of training and application of our craft, and beliefs in our teachers, philosophies and in ourselves, do not really divide us. Rather, we can now appreciate having a much larger “playing field” on which we can all continue to develop individually, and to meet on occasion, to develop and expand our love and deep appreciation of the Founder’s vision, mission and dreams, together.