I know, a broad question. but,..
What would be the most helpfull attribute to train for this doctrine ?

Strength ? Aikido's phillosophy to me is that of using the Uke's anger, force, momentum, etc... as the power behind technique.

Flexibility ? Does an Aikidoka directly bennifit from high flexibility ?

Endurance ? The techniques seem to consume little effort on the part of the Nage to execute the techniques.

Currently my training regiment includes spending time on all of the above, but is there one that Aikido depends more on than the others ?

Thank you all for your patience in dealing with my ignorance. I truely appreciate your time.

Norm

Norman,

After about 47 years of budo training, I have come to the conclusion that the answer to your question above is:

Determination,
Perserverance,
Patience,

plus an attitude that really believes that "if those people can learn this... so can I!"

Sigh, the word train. You know they do that to trees, right?

Anyways, there is no "right" answer that I've found. When I started everyone said "don't be so strong." Then 2 years later a 6th dan wandered in and suggested that I should use more strength. Aaaaaaggggg.....

You can literally practice in a dojo, walk across town and they will tell you something exactly the opposite. At one dojo it's be strong, at another it's be centered, at another it's be soft and flowing. And they are all right--for what they are doing.

Listen to yourself. If your careful with that, you'll know what to work on.

Other than that, there is no right answer, although Chuck's "if they can do it" feels pretty right.

I'm only a beginner, (coming up to one year), but I've found that when starting, as I believe you are Norman, being strong can be a bit of a pain, because it encourages you to use your muscles rather than ki or whatever.
On the other hand, if you concentrate on not using your muscles when you begin, strength can't be that bad.

Being flexible is pretty useful.. makes you a good uke. You probably don't need to any specific training, since just the practice of aikido increases you flexibility, although I know more than one person who can't sit in seiza because it hurts too much...

As for endurance, I can't really say due to my lack of randori experience. However, from what I've read of people's belt exams, everyone seems to be completely knackered after the randori.

As for endurance, I can't really say due to my lack of randori experience. However, from what I've read of people's belt exams, everyone seems to be completely knackered after the randori.

Methinks that is caused by the stress of the moment not a lack of endurance. I watched a shodan randori where the guy did 5 (yes 5) ukes and controlled it perfectly. He wasn't tired. One might argue that he was more ready than most for his exam. Relaxation helps endurance a great deal.

On the other hand, if I had to vote for one area that Aikidoists would do well to work on, it would be endurance.

The one attribute you should, no MUST train well to get good in Aikido is flexibility. Mental flexibility. Whatever you (or I) know now will change in time. Be okay with the change, and it gets easier to learn.