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What do we mean by acceptance? More than just the absence of resistance, it is a coordinated effort between the attack and the defense. A series of upper and lower body movements that help expend and weaken the aggressive force being directed at us. This allows Aikido practitioners to use the attackers force and intention against them. One example of such force is a push, either with one or two hands. A push is a very common attack that is often a prelude to further violence. If one is aware of their surroundings, turning the chest and deflecting the attackers extended arm will let the force of that aggressive action pass by. If, on the other hand, you defiantly present a “wall”, the push will be successful. The attackers “intention” will be realized and emboldened.
Sometimes a clever response to a late reaction to the push might be deception. As the person has succeeded in making contact, you offer a brief resistance by bracing or “puffing” up the chest, hoping to trigger an even more vigorous second push that now allows you to control the outcome. In essence, the defender has purposely provoked an expected, predictable action that typifies any emotional outburst. The accompanying defensive technique is made easier when the attacker continues their aggression with reckless abandon. As I have mentioned before, Aikido students practice control of their emotions with an emphasis on ending conflict, not prolonging it. This non-competitive attitude helps to put the situation in proper perspective. Although I have used the push to express the concept of “acceptance”, there are numerous other examples not cited here, but often used in the art of Aikido.
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.
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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