Relax

Lets take a moment to discuss “relax”.  As I interrepted Mustard Sensei this is the key to harnessing Uke’s power.  Mustard Sensei tried to get across how important it is to just relax, when you are practicing aikido.

When we are realxed we are strong.  When we are relaxed we can focus our energy where we want it to go.  Our first example begins in Kamae.  Kamae – where all techniques begin and end, the base of effective aikido is a strong kamae.  Stand in good posture with tense shoulders and your energy is being wasted and forced elsewhere.  Stand in good posture with relaxed shoulders and your energy is focused forward, where you want it to go.  As Uke pushes into simply lifting your front foot will drive Uke back and down into the mat.  This cannot be done without first learning to relax.  The most dynamic demonstration of this is watching a line of 10 people pushing into a steadfast Mustard Sensei.  Because he is relaxed and holding a strong kamae, all that energy being pushed into him is directed down his back leg rooting him to the ground. 

Such a simple concept – relax.  You would think that it would be easier to do but you must make a concious effort to do so.  If you relax as you perform a technique you will flow with a lot more ease.  You cannot perceive subtle changes in Uke if you are tense, you cannot tell where Uke is weak if you are tense and meeting force with force.  Just relax.  Then at the moment you are about to throw Uke release your energry into the one focused point.  Don’t squander your energy.  Use it when appropriate and Uke is helpless to resist.  Watch the masters and see how tight they are when performing a technique.  Mustard Sensei will turn Uke and flow with Uke’s strike and motions redirecting him to where he is strong and Uke is weak then as he throws he will release his energry into the throw.  This is why it looks so effortless.  It takes practice but we all need to just – Relax.