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The recent discussions regarding personality or other traits that predispose
towards Aikido have prompted this researcher to question whether how one
practices Aikido correlates with psychopathology to a degree that allows for
use as a diagnostic tool. Herewith some preliminary findings.
Part I: General Dojo Demeanor
- Catatonia: practitioner continues to sit
motionless in seiza long after others have begun partner practice.
- Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Stage: practitioner
continues to sit motionless in seiza long after others have begun
partner practice, sobbing quietly.
- Bipolar Disorder, Manic Stage: practitioner
performs high, leaping forward ukemi over (A) and (B) long after
others have changed into street clothes and gone out for beer.
Part II: Nage Role Issues
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: always starts with
ikkyo, proceeds through nikkyo, sankyo, etc.; if interrupted in the
middle, reverts to beginning of sequence with ikkyo again.
- Paranoid: marked preference for shihonage so he
can hold onto uke while constantly checking behind his own back
(psychotic manifestation: unable to complete technique with throw,
instead moves between omote and ura openings repeatedly while mumbling
about black helicopters).
- Attention Deficit Disorder: initiates technique
but walks away in the middle of it; does not pose a hazard to uke
unless the technique is sankyo in which case uke is walked out of the
dojo (non-assertive ukes may end up accompanying practitioner until
they get up the nerve to yell, "Hey you! Leggo my arm!")
Part III: Uke Role Issues
- Histrionic Personality: initiates wild attack
then immediately collapses to the mat, slapping loudly and moaning.
- Submissive: does not usually manifest except
during kaitennage, when there is a tendency to kiss nage's toes while
murmuring, "Throw me, throw me, it's what I deserve."
- Neurotic: takes ukemi but only after rational
discussion with nage.
- Schizophrenic: takes ukemi but only after
metarational semiotic discussion with nage.
The above merely constitutes an initial investigation. It is hoped that
further research will ensue. Thank you.
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