AikiWeb: The Source for Aikido Information AikiWeb's principal purpose is to serve the Internet community as a repository and dissemination point for aikido information.
Hello and thank you for visiting AikiWeb, the
world's most active online Aikido community! This site is home to
over 22,000 aikido practitioners from around the world and covers a
wide range of aikido topics including techniques, philosophy, history,
humor, beginner issues, the marketplace, and more.
If you wish to join in the discussions or use the other advanced
features available, you will need to register first. Registration is
absolutely free and takes only a few minutes to complete so sign up today!
Since there is no one to talk to on the Aikichat, I might as well add another blog!
Monday, December 16th, 2002:
We sometimes call Nage "#1" and Uke "#2".
1 is the leader and 2 is the follower.
None of them are easy. To be a good leader is the hardest thing to do.
My sensei said that in order to be a good leader, one should first know how to follow.
The follower must keep constant eye and body contact with the leader. He must keep pace and be alert at all times to any changes or mistakes the leader might do.
One interesting thing is that a good follower can turn into a leader.
If Uke is a good follower, he keeps pace and doesn't lag behind. He watches every move that Nage makes and can see the slightest mistake done by Nage. If he has kept pace, he can use that 'hole' to reverse roles and become #1.
That is why a good follower is never really following any more, he is secretly leading.