Hiding Behind a Hero

(Continuing the series of reproductions of my editorials in “Hakama” magazine)

Vol 3 Jan-Mar 1997

We all love quoting Osensei to support our own, often contradictory, theories on aikido. After all, his words are uplifting and represent a humanistic philosophy to be admired and emulated. That these words are mixed with paradoxical Zen-like aphorisms only makes them more fascinating and quotable.

At the same time a great many of Ueshiba’s mystical utterances are quite unfathomable and clearly belong to a different time and place.

Ueshiba on universal themes like love and harmony makes good reading, and good repeating, and Ueshiba on technique is the final authority. But in terms of our own real understanding of and progress in aikido, the Osensei icon could actually be a hindrance.That is if we ‘clothe ourselves in his dogi’ but do not ourselves undertake the whole-time job of getting to understand those truths of which he spoke.

Even though Ueshiba’s teachings will always be inspiring, there comes a time when we must think and act for ourselves.

Aikido instructors, by the same token, are guides only and cannot do your work for you. They are not perfect and, in most cases, do not claim to be. One should accept whatever they have to say as a product of their particular experience and not necessarily the gospel truth. It may be true for them but not for you.

It is all too easy to hide behind a highly skilled instructor or a powerful personality and thus avoid the essential process of self-discovery that aikido is all about.

In the end you interpret aikido according to what you are, and your training will reflect that. You can repeat the words of the master, and even copy the movements, but when it comes to grasping the essence, you are on your own.

And that is how it should be.