Poll: How often do you apply the "principles" of aikido "off the mat" in your ev

AikiWeb Poll for the week of April 11, 2004:

How often do you apply the "principles" of aikido "off the mat" in your everyday life?

• I don't do aikido
• Always
• Almost always
• Very often
• Often
• Somewhat often
• Seldom
• Almost never
• Never
  

Here are the current results.

All the literature and teaching I have seen have emphasized that the "principles of aikido" must be applied to everyday life. One will never understand its true power or value if it isn't broadly applied.

(If only "the principles" were so applied to business, government, work & play,.....)

I'd have had more confidence with this question if it'd said "do you try to apply the principles." The answer's still not "all the time," but it's closer to "whenever i realize that i'm not, i try harder to."

I never "try" to apply the principles. What usually happens is I respond in some way and when it's all done I think "hey, that was an application of X".

Bronson

Professionally as a psychotherapist, I use the enter-blend-redirect all the time.

Personally, I try to stay connected to my family, friends, and common-unity all the time.

So I guess the answer is, all the time.

Good Question, Jun.

Everyone who does Aikido practices the Principles off the mat all the time. The Principles of Aikido are the same principles we use to control our lives in any physical endeavor. These principles are

1. Ki

2. Nexus (or Joining)

3. Break points

4. Center

5. Technique

6. Timing

7. Strategy

8. Triangulation

We use triangulation and timing each and every time we drive an automobile. We use strategy in every personal encounter. We utilize the priciple of ki, and the nexus when dancing. We use almost all when we play golf, tennis, softball or whatever.

The Principles of Aikido are in essence the rules of life (or its refinement). Fishing requires timing, technique, center, (good fishing requires ki) and strategy.

I believe understanding this is one of the elements that place a persons feet on the path to mastering Aikido.

We use almost all when we play golf, tennis, softball or whatever.

It's also especially effective when snow shoveling!

When I understand the principles I'll know whether or not I apply them to "everyday life."