I would very much like to thank Stan Pranin Sensei for his thought-provoking article on the Virtues of Aikido. The article first appeared in 2002 but it took seeing it again recently to inspire me to write. Stan listed many attributes of aikido practice. Additionally, he devoted a considerable portion of the article to the lack of martial spirit that is prevalent in aikido practice today, why that is the case and made suggestions for improvement. The issues he brought up about the state of aikido practice are what I will address here, in my response.
Stan’s comments shine a spotlight on the need for serious aikido students and instructors to emphasize martial effectiveness. He goes on to say that focusing on stronger attacks and doing some cross training to learn more effective ways to punch and kick would help the aikido student to practice more realistically. Mentioned in the article is the need for nage to practice kiai, atemi, and taking the balance of the attacker. Stan explains how a martial atmosphere in the dojo brings not only effectiveness of technique but also a heightened consciousness that follows the practitioner off the mat and into daily life. I agree with these points as well as the recommendations for how one can improve one’s practice.