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A kind friend of mine suggested instead of putting this in the discussion forum where I have made contributions, it would wiser to write it here. The blog reflects all my thoughts of Aikido in someway or another in all discussions I have had. Logically than here is the best choice to express my thoughts.
On Aikido Training As I See It
I am reminded of what the Christian Apostle Matthew wrote, It is not, because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Aikido is difficult, the path is long and arduous to say the least narrow. I can't image too many other pursuits requiring the demands that of Aikido.
If you practice with great conviction of earnest and single mindedness dedication, persevering over many, many years tolling in blood and sweat, the Marathon race called Aikido will yield its accomplishments. Uttering no excuses, without complaints, reflecting discipline is the right attitude, Albert Einstein once said, Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
Aikido will not and can't yield its secrets to those who willing give up in spirit, mind, body, or in all. I can't help to hear the profound words in my ear of Albert Einstein, "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Or the wisdom of Confucius, "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." Achievements that are yield from Aikido are not as a butterfly effortless fluttering in the garden.
The success of Aikido is layered deep beneath the surface of the perfunctory layers. The Founder once said, "As soon as you concern yourself with the 'good' and 'bad' of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you." Often not overlooking character is the success of character.
Many times is Aikido misunderstood to have no price, or a price that is hollow. A grave misunderstanding that Aikido is a walk in the park, it leads to disenchantment. The proper Aikido journey is not easy it takes it's toll over the many year, it tests all facilities of a person, relentlessly and unforgivingly. Persons with passion to endure, quitting is not an option, and where the toll is blood, sweat and tears. Those who endure the challenge will find the secrets. They walk with a polish character, understanding the pursuit of violence has less value, the pursuit of peace [love] will be venerated instead. The Founder said wisely, "When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace."
Sitting alone sometimes thinking about Aikido. In long periods of contemplating the complaints made of Aikido, it seems I revisit the same idea. Maybe what Aikido does lack isn't a part, but instead more people with the right drive and spirit who are in it for the long run. People who don't see the obvious or immediate rewards. Rather instead, those who are genuinely determined, sincerely seeing the value of Aikido. They know the price for success, and willing to pay it, they are the elite.