Aikido and the Car Guy

Aikido is where you find it

I don't know how many times I've been asked what Aikido is all about.  I know what it is to me.  That's a bit tough to explain though, in under a week.

While researching some things for this blog, I ran across a very useful description of Aikido. 

I did not expect to find this on a Malaysian political site.  The fact that I did, makes today a bit more special.

Now, if I could just sell a car....

Unity of mind and technique

In extreme situations, the entire universe becomes our foe; at such critical times, unity of mind and technique is essential - do not let your heart waver!

Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido

Forging the sword

Iron is full of impurities that weaken it: through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.

Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido

Teachers

Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher.
Morihei Ueshiba

Failure

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.
Morihei Ueshiba

The Art of Peace

To practice properly the Art of Peace, you must: Calm the spirit and return to the source, cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness and desire. Be ever grateful for the gifts received from the Universe, your family, Mother Nature, and your fellow human beings.

Morihei Ueshiba
founder of Aikido

The four principles of Aikido

Basic Aikido lesson number one.  There are, according to various translations of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, four basic principles of the philosophy and martial art of Aikido.  They are:

• Relax completely.  Always a good idea, regardless philosophical leanings.
• Keep weight underside.  Maintain your balance.  Don't get carried away. Be strong in your position.
• Maintain one point.  Focus.  Keep your eye on your goal.  Concentrate on the task at hand.
• Extend Ki.  Put all of your energy , all of your being, into your purpose.

Think about anything that you may want or have to do.  Whether defending yourself from an physical attack or dealing with a disagreement at work or home.  Maybe you are changing a flat tire, in the dark, on a rainy night on the freeway, in a snowstorm and you're late for something.

There is a saying in martial arts about achieving black belt rank.  It goes something like, "Once you have reached black belt, you know enough to be considered a beginner."

I have felt the four principles of Aikido work for me, at times.  I don't use them often enough. I forget.  I am still a beginner. 

 

Aikido and the Car Guy

I'm new to the "naming a blog" game. I have wanted to start a website or blog that might be of interest and value to friends and clients, both old and new.  I have plenty of ideas. We'll see if I can put them together in a spirited and harmonious way.