Aiki-Boxing

I enjoyed watching the clip of “Aiki-Boxing.” My only reservation is the reply, published or not, from the Aiki community regarding both the result and necessity of the exercise. I believe foremost it serves as a startling reminder how different common practice can be when compared to dynamic application. At the very least it demonstrated how difficult it can be to find and execute an Aiki technique when Uke continues to attack even after Nage has engaged. For example, I believe it was Bob who went last on the clip, and the majority of his takedowns were not Aiki but very nicely executed Judo (especially the Soto-makikomi). The comment is not a slight to Aiki, but certainly an observation to be noted.

So will the drill be received as a lesson that needs to be introduced into advanced study of Aiki, or dismissed as an inane practice only encouraging the spirit of competition? Yes, we all know that Aiki is not founded on a competitive spirit. However, too long I have trained with fellow Aikidokas who have never sparred in any fashion, nor even experienced a rough randori that may leave you with a few black and blue marks because you missed an attack.

If I read the gentlemen’s movements in “Aiki-Boxing” correctly both are accomplished Aikidoka, and neither one looked awkward in their tai sabaki. That being said where was Aiki arsenal (Koshi nage, Shiho nage, Ikkyo, Kaiten nage, etc.)? Granted some techniques were unavailable due to Uke’s gloves blocking the hand/wrist, but neither would one expect to see perpetual Ikkyo Undo or Irimi nage - or should we? I love Aiki. I love studying the interaction and physical interpretations of both my movement and how its execution relates to another body. Only, that becomes more of an artistic expression which is fine, but does that lend to combat? What techniques should be taught in the repertoire, and at what level?

“Aiki-Boxing” could make one ask what we teach to a beginner. As instructors teaching a martial art part of our responsibility is to help ensure our students’ safety if forced into an encounter. The question is what techniques hold the best chance for success, and which ones border on artful instead of effective? Artful is ok, but not in the face of imminent injury. Drills such as the one in the clip can not only be an excellent crucible to see which techniques emerge from the test, but can also be quite humbling. I have done such drills with advanced Aikidoka, and even though it was not done with negative or hurtful energy the majority only came away with excuses and mild anger. Unfortunate.

Further, the clip showed two practitioners basically playing with the art. They were training well, but neither one was really trying to hurt the other. I’m not advocating outright aggression between partners, but it questions even further what techniques came about under such practice. What other techniques would we have seen, or not seen, if perhaps they geared up completely and agreed to full speed, but obviously not done in violence only intensity. It isn’t necessary to exclude anything from Aiki’s complement of techniques, but is it time to evaluate its presentation? Is it still proper to tell someone this technique will work against an attacker, but you as the instructor have never played with it to see when and where it really does work?

I understand some techniques represent a level of danger to the body that doesn’t allow full execution, but at an advanced level of practice there should exist enough control and sensitivity between Uke and Nage that would allow them to take it real close. Not everyone is able to physically do that, but those that can - should. Taking what you have learned, and then setting it aside to allow whatever comes to come in a dynamic test of application is invaluable to Aikidokas for confidence and instructors for truth in teaching. I look forward to seeing their experiment evolve, and I hope others realize it will only strengthen their Aiki - not weaken or diminish it.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

E.S.

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Erick Saia — July 9^th, 2007 (add comment)