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Success in Aikido training occurs when each student understands their proper role during a practice session. This role playing concept assures an efficient and effective method of safely learning self-defense techniques. It allows for each student to repeat movements that will build upon the previous class instruction.
This partnership is called the Uke / Nage relationship. It relies on the idea that character development related to training, often progresses from obligations of courtesy and respect to genuine friendship and camaraderie.
The Uke is the person who acts the part of the attacker/aggressor and trusts that his partner will understand his skill level and use a safely applied defense that is appropriate for one of his ability.
The Nage is the person who acts the part of the defender and knowing that his partner trusts his good sense and compassion, accepts the attack in such a way as to render it ineffectual without causing harm.
Since each student takes a turn at being Uke and Nage, they each learn to play their roles well. Continuous practice using this training method develops recognition and timing skills. As this orderly progression of information is understood and remembered, the skill of each person gets better. They trust themselves, as well as their partner. Movements that were initially taught and learned in a slow step by step manner are now being performed with speed, power, and accuracy.
One can compare this concept to watching a movie frame by frame vs. at normal viewing speed.
Every promotion in rank through Black Belt is accompanied with greater levels of difficulty and increasing technical skill. A good student partnership not only makes this success possible, but most likely and absolutely achievable.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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