Here is an overview of how to teach aikido to beginners so that takemusu aiki, or spontaneously manifesting aikido is a natural product of their training rather than something they must transcend their training to achieve. Teaching complex techniques requires collusive ukemi. This model of teaching aikido trains elemental movements of aikido that can them be combined into any number of chains independent of traditional set forms. In doing so it also alters the purpose of aikido from defense to support. This teaches aikido from the ground up to be the loving protection of all things and teaches connection at the same time. Stretches are what an attacker does when attacking an aikido practitioner. The attacker does this movement as a natural form as long as his system feels connected to the target and no resistance stops him. Spotting is an activity with the purpose of supporting someone while they complete a dangerous action, and in this case the action is the full expression of an attack. Spotting is defined in the Aiki-Lab system as "Being involved without interfering in order to protect the partner." For a chart of the stretches and spots I include in my beginner curriculum go here: www.westlosangelesaikido.com/Movement%20Set%20Comparison%20Chart.html (for illustrations of each stretch, spot and a combination of them click on the name of the movement) for ways of turning off the line look here: www.westlosangelesaikido.com/Ways%20of%20Moving%20Off%20the%20Line.html

Be the first to comment