Balance in practice

Our practice may shape our life, and our life sometimes dictates how we practice.

Some Aikido students, usually younger, who are Uchi Deshi (内弟子:うちでし, live in apprentices), often practice 3-5 hours daily. On my visit to Hombu Dojo (Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo, I saw a big group of older people showing up, every morning of the week, to the 6:30 am class with Dōshu (道主, Master of the Way). I met students who used to practice everyday, and due to life changes, only get to practice once a week. I know of many people who choose to train once, twice, or three times a week. So, what is the right amount for practice?

Many teachers, including my teacher, say that Aikido should be a daily practice. Some students say they feel burnt out when practicing daily. Each practitioner walks his/her own path. In O'Sensei's rules of practice, he says: "In daily practice first begin by moving your body and then progress to more intensive practice. Never force anything unnaturally or unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere." So, the balance is not just found in the "how much" but in "how" as well.

Practice is "a way of life", and should be an integral part of one's usual routine, whether one chooses to train daily or otherwise, consistency should be kept. This way the practice will ingrain as a discipline. Both the time and the effort invested will determine the rhythm of the study. Our attitude, as well as our "hunger to learn", or lack thereof, may quicken or slow down the pace. On the mat, we practice in accord to our physical condition and ability. We push ourselves, yet we have to remember we are here to polish our spirit as well.

The secret of making the best out of our training may be found in balancing the "how" and "how much", as well as making sure that the practice is harmonizing with the rest of the pieces of our life's mobile.

, Dōs