The Proper Role of NAGE & UKE in Aikido Training

by Tip Harris Sensei

When we train in Aikido, we use the KATA method of training. That is, after the Sensei has demonstrated the attack and defense, and the role he expects the NAGE (the person performing a defensive technique) and UKE (the person attacking) to perform, we pair up with a partner and alternate the roles of NAGE and UKE.


It is important to understand that this KATA form we use is not a contest between NAGE and UKE in which they compete with each other, but rather a controlled situation that both parties should learn from. A proper understanding of the role of both NAGE and UKE is very important for the training to be beneficial to both.

There is a clear distinction between real life and what happens on the DOJO mat. In real life... (CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article.)

Castle Rock Aikido has Japanese martial arts classes exclusively for adults. Visitors are welcome to try a class for free.

We also have a kids martial arts class. These aikido classes are for teens 10-17.

For more information, please visit http://www.craikido.com/

A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Japanese Text on the Way of Strategy, by Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645)

Article and summary by Aikido Student, Sean Hannon

Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings is a classic Japanese text of samurai sword strategy. Yet, it is so much more than just a manual on how best to wield a sword. The principles discussed in Miyamoto Musashi's masterpiece can, in many respects, be applied to life as a whole. Even though most of us today may not carry around a samurai sword on a daily basis, a reader can still find great value in the observations of this great, innovative, and eccentric samurai. Musashi developed what is called ni to ichi ryu or the "two as one way." In short, it is Musashi's preferred way of fighting with two swords simultaneously, instead of the traditional, two-handed fighting style of Japanese samurai. We can find meaning in Musashi's text beyond that of just sword fighting because, in both in Japanese and in other cultures, the sword is often used as a comprehensive metaphor for life.

Musashi was born in 1584. According to legend, Musashi had a real knack for fighting and killed his first opponent, a well-known samurai, when he was only 13 years of age. He cut down dozens more men by the time he was in his late twenties. In one such altercation, Musashi was said to have single-handedly killed over thirty men in a single challenge. Perhaps mired by his constant killing, in 1612 Musashi made the decision to never use a real blade in battle again. He, instead, elected to use only a wooden sword (a bokken). It is thought by some that he believed himself to be too good to fight others with a real sword. Perhaps out of mercy or a true compassion for life, he chose not to use a live blade. It just wasn't fair to his lesser skilled opponents.

It was also around this time that Musashi speculated that his undefeatedness was not due to his mastery of the sword, but perhaps only to natural talent, luck, or even divine intervention. So at thirty years of age Musashi then decided to dedicate the rest of his life to discovering the Principle, or as he called it, the Way of Strategy. It was not for another twenty years, at age fifty, that he had decided that he had truly discovered this Way.

In 1645, at age sixty, Musashi isolated himself in a cave near Mt. Iwato on the island of Kyushu. It was there that he committed the Way of Strategy to writing. Allegedly, Musashi died only a few days after completing Go Rin No Shu, the Book of Five Rings. Each book of the Book of Five Rings is titled after an element of nature; Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and, what Musashi calls, the Void.

In this six part series, I offer my own thoughts and propose modern day interpretations of this great master's philosophy. I present excerpts from Musashi's introduction plus each of the five books that I found important in my own study of budo. Please keep in mind that what I share here is strictly my own opinions and interpretations of Musashi's writings. You, of course, are welcome to disagree and/or dismiss my interpretations in part or in whole as you see fit. I make to claim to know the true mind of Musashi.

I believe that understanding Musashi's writings requires an appreciation for the notion of paradox. Many people could easily read his books and say that he constantly contradicts himself. I feel differently. Many paradoxes exist in his writings, but I don't feel that they are necessarily contradictory because, after all, life is full of paradoxes. For example, Aikido is a very powerful martial art, yet it can be practiced very gently without sacrificing power. To some this is a contradiction. To others, it is merely a complementary paradox. A paradox being a statement where two facts appear to be in conflict with each other, but, in fact, are both true. This, of course, is congruent with some of the principles of Chinese Taoism and Musashi appears to have an appreciation for such a philosophical perspective.

Introduction to Go Rin no Shu

Before entering the first book, the Earth Book, Musashi acknowledges his place in the Universe and demonstrates humility on the subject to which others claim him to be a master.

"There is no fighter in the world today
who understands the Way of Strategy completely."

Within this statement Musashi acknowledges that even he cannot claim complete mastery over the Way. I think this statement demonstrates Musashi's humility despite sometimes appearing to be somewhat arrogant. I have found that sometimes, a healthy self-confidence is interpreted by others with less self-confidence as arrogance. A modern day cliché or affirmation expressing a similar notion might be the idea that "no matter how good you are, there is always someone better." This, of course, may or not be true. You very well may be the best at something. However, the acknowledgement of such a possibility is the admirable trait of humility. A similar saying is "There's always room for improvement." We can strive for mastery in any calling, even achieve it to some degree, as long as we simultaneously recognize and respect the fact that there is no such thing as perfection; there is no such thing as absolute mastery. Indeed, there is very much a difference between mastery and perfection. One is achievable, one is not.

"Even if a man does not have an inborn ability to fight,
he can become a warrior by consistently practicing each of these Ways."

To me this statement simply means that we are all capable of reaching our own potential. One of the most common things I hear when prospective students call our Aikido school in Castle Rock is, "I'm not sure I'll be any good at Aikido. I'm really out of shape and I'm in my mid thirties." Of course, when it come to Aikido, your age and your weight aren't relevant. Virtually anyone can train Aikido at any age. We can all become a warrior in any calling, on or off the mat, if we choose to make the decision to do so and take the persistent action necessary to become such.

"The Way of the warrior is the brave acceptance of death."

This is often quoted in samurai bushido code and I think it tends to come across to many people as scary or morbid. To me, this quote doesn't mean you need to be prepared to die in order to train martial arts. It really just means embracing life to the fullest and not taking this great gift we have for granted. Accepting the notion of death is just a more macho way of saying to live fully… to live completely. It is only because of death that we, as humans, value life to begin with. It is the supposed contrast between these two that creates value. The fictitious samurai, Katsumoto, in 2003's film, The Last Samurai expressed a similar notion as "Life in every breath." This is the brave acceptance of death. It is the willingness and the courage to experience life in every breath. This is something most people never do.

"The warrior is different because by studying the Way of Strategy
he learns to defeat other men."

Here Musashi differentiates his Way of Strategy from that of mastery over other non-martial arts such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, carpentry, dance or even sword crafting. He contends that they are different, in many respects, because mastery of, for example, the Japanese art of tea ceremony (sado) is the mastery of a system of self – or put another way, one defeats oneself. In warriorship, people learn to defeat other people. Personally, I don't recognize the difference Musashi is trying to make, but, of course, I am not a samurai master!

"The spirit which defeats one man is the same
as that which defeats ten million men."

"If one masters the long sword, that one man can beat ten men."

Musashi appears to be a big believer in the idea that there is no such thing as size or scale. One is the same as ten. Ten is the same as one hundred and, of course, one hundred is the same as one. For a classic, pop-culture reference, I would relate this saying to that of the Yoda character in the Star Wars movies of the 1980's. Of course, many know that the character of Yoda (a Jedi master) was probably influenced to one degree or another by ancient samurai masters, perhaps even Musashi. Nonetheless, Yoda, a creature probably less than two feet tall was represented as having great strength and power despite his physical stature. "Size matters not. Do or do not. There is no try," is a famous saying of the little master.

Notice how Musashi states that it is the "spirit" that defeats one man or ten million men. He didn't say it was the man, or the skill, or the weapon, but the spirit. This is essential in learning the Way of Strategy. A classic illustration of this principle is the infamous Japanese Tea Master Story.

When the tea master met the samurai, he thought the samurai was a Ronin, and this insulted the samurai greatly. The samurai was so displeased that he challenged the team master to a dual the next morning. The tea master was terrified. He ran to the only sword master he knew and pleaded with him to train him in one night to become an able swordsman. But the tea master was a hopeless student. No matter how patiently the sword master tried to teach him, the tea master remained inept. At last the sword master said to him, "Just approach your sword fight the way you approach your tea ceremonies," and gave up.

The following morning, heavy hearted, his fate sealed, the tea master reluctantly went to his appointment. When he faced the samurai on the misty hill he shut his eyes tight, lifted the heavy sword above his head, then concentrated and centered himself the way he did when he performed his tea ceremonies. At that, the samurai threw down his sword, got down on his knees, and begged the tea master for forgiveness. "If I had known you were such a great swordsman," he said, "I never would have challenged you!"
(Source)

Musashi tries to communicate that large is small, and small is large. It is a rather holistic way of viewing the world, a world of sameness, likeness, and whole-partedness (if there is such as word).

In my opinion, Benjamin Franklin made a very similar quote. "You can only grow to the size of your thoughts." Think small and you will be small. Think big and you will be big. This also applies to other aspects of our lives. Think yourself fat and you will be fat. Think yourself tired and you will be tired.

"The principle of strategy is the accomplishment of one thing,
in order to accomplish ten thousand things."

I sum this notion up in one word: Focus. Musashi is firm on the notion of mastering one thing in order to be victorious in every thing. It is only by mastering one thing that we can learn how to master all things. Most people try to be great at a number of things before they have learned to be great at just one thing. I contend that it is this misconception that keeps people from having the success in their lives that they crave.

What will you master? How will you learn the art of mastery? Aikido? Your job? Another hobby? Your emotional state? Master one thing and you will be able to achieve great things because of what you learn in the process of mastery. Try to succeed at multiple things simultaneously without first learning the process and having the experience of mastery, and you will struggle indefinitely.

"You must train day and night in order for you to be able
to make decisions quickly."

Successful people from Napoleon Hill to Andrew Carnegie; from Henry Ford to Anthony Robbins all say that the most successful people are those who make decisions quickly and change their minds rarely, if at all. The ability to make decisions quickly in battle, of course, can mean the difference between life and death. This is definitely a skill that must be acquired. But this skill very much spills over into other areas of life as well.

To acquire this skill, you will be the recipient of heavy criticism. You may be called excessive, compulsive, stubborn, or even neurotic. However, these are often the criticisms of people less committed to their own success, growth, and mastery. I recommend that you ignore anyone who isn't absolutely and completely supportive of your attempts at mastery.

Your training doesn't end when you step off the mat – at least, not if you are paying attention it doesn't. If you've been practicing Aikido for even just a few months I'm certain you have already recognized how you actually are practicing Aikido (or the Way of Strategy) 24 hours a day, seven days per week, even though you may only train at the dojo 2 or 3 times per week. You begin to see the Aikido in everything, in every interaction, in every challenge you face. The more you practice Aikido the more you will find your intuition, your visceral body wisdom, and the more you will be willing to trust and execute your instinctive decision making abilities. I believe this is what Musashi means about training to make decisions quickly.

In the next article, we will dive into The Earth Book, the first of the 5 books of rings.

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Castle Rock Aikido combines Aikido philosophy and Hombu recognized Aikido training. We practice Aikido in everyday life. We are greatful for our students who commit to regular training and are even willing to travel from Denver or Colorado Springs to practice Aikido at our dojo. We welcome people to come watch or try a class for free.

Your Experience in Life is What You Bring to It!

A past teacher of mine would frequently say, "Bring it!" What she meant by that was whatever you want to experience, you have to "bring it" to the experience. This can apply to tangible things as well as intangible things. For example, let's say you are going to a party. If you want there to be guacamole at the party then you'd better "bring it." Similarly, if you want to have a fun at the party, then it is your responsibility to "bring it," – the fun, that is – to the party and not expect it to be waiting there for you. It is your responsibility to "bring it." It is not the responsibility of others, the activity or the event.

Aikido training works exactly the same way. Bring a willingness to learn, an attitude of humility and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of humor to Aikido class, and those qualities – and their inherent benefits – are what you will experience at class. I should point out that this attitude isn't unique to the traditional, Japanese martial art of Aikido, but would also apply to other martial arts like karate, taekwondo, judo, and Brazilian Jujitsu or any form of mixed martial arts (MMA fighting or submission fighting. Unfortunately, the "bring it" philosophy works both ways. If you bring anger, frustration and resentment to Aikido class, then that is what you are sure to experience on the mat.

Aikido really is a microcosm of life… your life. If you experience happiness throughout your day, then that is what will come out on the Aikido mat. If you carry your ego around all day, you shouldn't be surprised when you find yourself bumping into egos on the mat – both others and your own!

The value of "bringing it" to the Aikido mat is that it offers us an opportunity to have a physical, non-verbal dialogue with ourselves that can lead to psychological, or for some, even spiritual transcendence. On some level this physical, non-verbal dialogue we have with ourselves on the Aikido mat is more honest than the usual mental dialogue we engage in within our own minds each day. While words can hide truth and significance, physiology cannot. Your body doesn't lie physically. Physical dishonesty will often manifest as an ache or pain or, if held long enough, even a disease. As Aikido students we can learn to "listen" to our physical-selves, our physical movements and make changes in our lives accordingly.

Aikido provides us with a venue of self-exploration and self-transformation. It reveals and unearths things deep within ourselves that we sometimes don't want to explore or don't think we need to work on. Yet, if we don't explore these things students often find themselves frustrated, not progressing in their training or sometimes even quitting. Students are often surprised to discover just how much of their "inner selves" manifest physically, outwardly on the Aikido mat. It is nearly impossible to hide on the Aikido mat what lies inside… especially to an experienced Aikido teacher.

Physical movement (like that experienced in Aikido training) is one of the most primitive and fundamental forms of communication and is, in my opinion, far superior to verbal communication. There is something primordial and deeply honest about physical movement and the powerful messages it contains. Most people have heard the saying that only 20% of communication is verbal. Personally, I think that percentage is way too high. You can tell a lot about a person by their physical movement. Confidence, comfort, ease and happiness have a certain "look" to them on and off the Aikido mat. Self-consciousness, fear, anger and frustration have an equally identifiable "look."

Interestingly, the presence or absence of these physical attributes has nothing to do with how long or how experienced a person is at Aikido. It has to do with what they psychologically "bring" to the Aikido dojo. I have seen first day Aikido students demonstrate tremendous confidence and comfort. Similarly, I have seen experienced Aikido students demonstrate near-paralyzing timidity and unparalleled anger at times. Again, what shows up physically on the Aikido mat is what they "bring" to the mat. Their physical appearance, posture, movement and fluidity are all part of a larger physical language that is Aikido. A student's physical flexibility or inflexibility is often (but not always) congruent with their mental, emotional or psychological flexibility. As such, Aikido instructors will sometimes even challenge their students mentally or emotionally through physical movement on the mat or even verbally off the mat in order to help them progress in their Aikido training. Of course, these efforts are not always welcomed by students, but nonetheless, is still an important aspect of their training.

My instructors would often deliberately provoke a reaction in me in their efforts to teach me something. The Sensei/Student relationship is a sacred one. The Sensei's role is one of technical instructor, confidant, coach, counselor, trainer and most importantly, friend. I take my experiences to heart and attempt to provide students with insight and lessons in not only the physical aspects of Aikido techniques, but more importantly about life. I do this not as a superior in Aikido, but as a peer in life.

Those who make Aikido a life-long pursuit often do so not for the martial art and/or self-defense applications, per se, but for the self-transcending benefits of Aikido. Aikido truly is a physical path to self-mastery. Ultimately, Aikido is meant to be experienced firsthand, not just read about. Aikido is always challenging to describe purely in writing because the experience of Aikido transcends the written word. The practice of Aikido really represents an opportunity for transcendence on every level of existence. So let’s get rolling… and bring it!

Come discover how Aikido can serve as a catalyst for tremendous growth and expansion in your life. We invite you to come try a free class at our Aikido school in Castle Rock, Colorado. Call us today at 720-221-3665 or visit us at: http://www.craikido.com/ for a limited time special offer. Experience a power you never knew you had. Experience Aikido!

Natural Movement & Philosophy - A Wholistic Exercise

The Philosophy of Aikido

Much like a hurricane, tornado or tidal wave, the forces found in nature are efficient, rational, and soft, while the center is immovable, firm, and stable. Of course, these forces may not seem rational or soft relative to human experience, but relative to itself, these forces are perfectly balanced. This principle of a firm center and a soft, adaptable periphery is universally consistent -- and must be true for each person, as well. The culmination of Aikido is expressed by aligning one's own center with the center expressed throughout nature. One becomes "resilient" inside, yet this strength is expressed softly and powerfully.

The movements of Aikido maintain this firm and stable center simultaneously emphasizing spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to blend with, to control and to overcome an opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one’s self from an opponent of superior size, strength and experience.

Although Aikido movements are soft, logical and smooth, as are those found in nature, by applying a bit of force, these techniques can be devastatingly effective. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to many people. It not only provides excellent exercise and teaches proper etiquette and self-control, but for some it also offers spiritual growth and evolution.

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Many people are surprised when they find out that half of our students are over 40 years old. One reason could be because of the way Aikido blends natural movement with practical life philosophy. Castle Rock Aikido is a Japanese martial art school. Visit http://www.craikido.com/ for a coupon for a free class.



Read our story "Residents Over 50 Taking Up Martial Arts"

Aikido & Abundance (Expansion Part 4)

"If your opponent strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly."
– Morihei Ueshiba

As we learned in Part Two of this article on expansion, Aikido is so much more than just a martial art. It is a whole way of life. Indeed, those who practice Aikido quickly learn that it is, in fact, a microcosmic arena for life. When regular daily problems at home or at work come up most people do the same thing as most martial arts teach. They push back, contract, shrink – they shift into a defensive posture. Sometimes they contract into adverse behaviors like excessive television watching, alcohol or overeating. Others contract by complaining, gossiping, hiding or ignoring their predicament. Aikido teaches us to address our challenges differently.

Is expansion a natural response? Think of how a muscle grows. When muscles are exercised, the muscle fibers are broken down (contraction), but then life responds not by shrinking the muscle, but instead the muscle fibers grow back stronger, bigger (expansion). The result is a net gain in growth, not a net loss.

Look at other forms of nature. What do most flowers do when the sun shines upon them? Do they expand or contract? Most expand in the warmth of the sun and then contract at night when the air cools. Look to the Universe. Is it expanding or contracting? Most astrophysicists agree that the Universe is in an expansive state. You’re part of the Universe too. Don’t you think that you are meant to be expansive, as well?

If you think about it, Aikido is a philosophy more resonant with life than many other martial art styles. Life is about growing, not shrinking; about expanding, not contracting. And, yes, while it is true that everything in life (physiology included) contains both reciprocal qualities (similar to the Taoist concepts of yin and yang) a balance between the two should not necessarily be the desired outcome. For example, most people would be upset if their monthly expenses and monthly income were in balance to one another because that would suggest that they were not gaining financially; that they were not saving. They were staying at zero. Balance implies the same on both sides. Balance means zero. Zero in physiology means dead. Only a corpse is "balanced." Instead, the desired outcome between expansion and contraction should be a net gain in expansion. Some might say that life, itself, is about expansion. Aikido is about expansion. Therefore, Aikido is about life.

Life is designed to be abundant, to be expansive. Why contract? Think about it. Has contraction really ever served you in the past? Aikido teaches people to grow, to expand when faced with challenge. If you don’t believe that life is meant to be abundant, then you need to discover Aikido and make that discovery. Come find out why Castle Rock AIKIDO may be a great place for you to discover your physical path to self-mastery.

Looking for an Aikido dojo?
Castle Rock Aikido is turing out to be an alternative to Denver martial art schools. That is because we are located just 20 minutes south of Denver Metro. We have several Denver Aikido students who commute from the heart of Denver to our dojo.

Come try a class for free and see why we were voted "Best in Castle Rock for martial arts, 2007" by Castle Rock Magazine. Call 720-221-3665 to get your coupon for a free class. See map to Castle Rock Aikido. Visit http://www.craikido.com/ to watch an Aikido video.

Expansion Part 2: Aikido & Budo

"True budo calls for bringing the inner energy of the Universe in order, protecting the peace of the world as well as preserving everything in nature in its right form."
– Morihei Ueshiba

The novice martial artist sees martial arts merely as a fighting system – a means of self-defense. He understands only one-dimension of the word "martial." Martial, in the strictest sense of the word, means "associated with war." Therefore, to the novice martial artist, martial only means "the art of war" or "the art of fighting." For them, that is where the meaning stops. There is no evolution. There is no more growth. The master martial artist, on the other hand, understands this rudimentary definition of "martial" and expands it.

The master martial artist recognizes the inherent responsibilities of the martial arts and ultimately adopts the concept of budo or martial way into his or her life. The martial way is very different from that of martial combat. For example, the term budo is made up of the Japanese characters (or kanji) "bu" meaning martial and "do" meaning path. The characters of the kanji for "bu" or martial is actually made up of two symbols. The first symbol is a set of crossed weapons or halberds. The second symbol is the Japanese character for "stop." So, interestingly enough, in Japanese kanji, the character for bu doesn't mean "fighting," but somewhat paradoxically, actually reads "to stop fighting" or "to prevent fighting." Therefore, budo really translates as "the way to prevent fighting." This is congruent with the underlying message of the art of Aikido – the way of harmony. But truly, we have only scratched the surface of what budo really means. A comprehensive understanding of the term budo is a lifelong journey and can only be gained by thoroughly studying Japanese language and culture.

So, you'll notice that bushi-DO, bu-DO and Aiki-DO all end with the word "do." The word "do" is often used when a martial art is intended to be applied to other areas of life and is practiced as a way of life, not solely as a combat style. The master martial artist lives budo. He or she not only learns how to hurt, maim or kill, but also to recognize and value the wisdom of when to use one's martial arts skill and when not to. The master martial artist understands the responsibilities of budo and how to apply his or her martial art in non-martial, everyday experiences. Those responsibilities of budo expand beyond just the survival of one's self and apply to family, community, society and the world at large.

Japanese martial arts that limit their instruction to combat applications are often suffixed with the word "jutsu," which usually means "martial science." Such sciences include kenjutsu or aikijutsu. Therefore, all forms of budo are martial arts, but not all martial arts are budo. Aikido is a form of budo – a way of life, not just a self-defense system. Budo can be practiced at all times. It can be practiced when driving a car in heavy traffic, when dealing with misbehaving children, or when dealing with disruptive colleagues at work. Everything can be practiced the martial way – with a spirit of budo. Everyone can practice the expansive principle of Aikido in every arena of life.

As you can see, the art of Aikido is more than just a martial art. Aikido is a way of life; a philosophy practiced as a moving meditation of life. It is an art that holds the potential to outright challenge our humanity.

Come discover how Aikido can serve as a catalyst for tremendous growth and expansion in your life. We invite you to come try a class at our Aikido school in Castle Rock, Colorado for free.

Read Expansion Part 1: Aikido & Self-defense