The practise of ukemi is the most obvious sign of differing backgrounds and perceptions. Ukemi tends to portray some of the character of the practitioner and their teacher's influence. Nage's appearance and development is affected greatly by ukes ability to blend with the application of waza. This snapshot of how practitioners work together can display the type of practise and emphasis. For instance, at one end of the spectrum, if uke is stiff and waits to be thrown or receive an atemi then the practise could remain very much in the physical strength realm. In this case uke is simply a victim to be practised upon and injuries could be a consequence. On the other hand if uke goes too soon or inappropriately and there is no real attack then the relationship between uke and nage doesn't really exist and it isnt aikido, this is imagination. Looking at aikido from Osensei up until the present day, the art can be seen to have expanded through a broad spectrum of shihan's understanding and practise. Hence the vast array of ways of practise, and each way appeals to different people. It is essential though that the art stays alive and remains relevant.

The vital aspect to this diversity is the ability of each practitioner to maintain the principles of aikido, otherwise it ceases to be aikido and metamorphoses into something other.. One may well ask "What are the principles?" Each teacher would express this differently, as what is perceived to be the principles by one would no doubt be disputed or described differently by others. It is therefore important to consider what the shihans have to say and apply this in practise. Suffice to say, sincerity and intention are vital to practise, and the hallmarks of good practise are development of sensitivity and expansion of awareness. Osensei stated "Love" was the essence of Budo. Just reflect on the name "aikido" for the philosophy.--Way of harmony with Universal Spirit. Anything less is actually just practise or physical exercise.

Many would argue "effectiveness" should be the determinant of good aikido. I would suggest that there is too many factors involved in this, the most obvious is whether uke really attacks. Also, what is effectiveness? Is it taking someone out when they attack, or is it the ability to do so with minimum effort and maximum care for uke ? Remember Osensei's words when asked to demonstrate before Emperor Hirohito. " I cannot perform a lie" he said. When queried he stated that if someone sincerely attempted to kill him then they would in turn die, and he did not want to kill someone. Emperor Hirohito sent back a message that he would "like to see a lie". Only uke and nage may truly "know" effectiveness at the moment of interaction. The spectator is easily misled and/or deceived.

Another example this time from the trans-Tasman rivalry during the Allblacks/ Wallabies rugby game in the last World Cup.... The scrum was engaged and under pressure when the Aussie prop, Ben Darwin broke his neck and screamed at his opposite player Kees Meuws. Kees immediately stopped applying pressure and broke the contact protecting Ben's neck. To the spectator it would appear that Kees was ineffective in his performance but the reality was the complete opposite. He saved Ben Darwin from spending his life in a wheelchair at the expense of the play. His focus and awareness were such that he was able to respond immediately to the needs of the situation and protect his opposing player, not easy amongst 16 men applying maximum physical force against each other. A truly magnanimous gesture of profound consequences and proof that awareness in the situation is the real determinant of effectiveness and not what is seen by the observer...

Where does all this leave us ? There are many roads to the heart of the Art. Our ability to traverse these paths is solely our responsibility and determined by our own personal sincere efforts. The ability to work together with other travellers is imperative. The distance which we travel is known only to ourselves as each persons load is different as are starting points. If we can each encourage others to take another step then the momentum is increased and the journey more enjoyable. Those who we travel with are the gems we accumulate on the way and their lustre is a product of our clarity of vision.

©Stephen Seymour