We must always remember that we are training in a martial art. When executing a technique, we are training for a desperate moment when all attempts to avoid confrontation have failed and we are subjected to a committed physical attack. It is to be hoped that this time never arrives, but nevertheless, the martial aspect of our training cannot be overlooked. In the face of such an assault there will be little or no time in which to think of a response. Our reaction must be automatic, reflexive and effective. Let us examine then, what this does and does not mean in the context of our training.

Positive Training
All areas of our technique and ukemi must be positive. Our tai sabaki must place us out of danger, but in a position from which to respond effectively. Uke's posture must be broken and finally a throw or immobilisation executed during which uke cannot regain their balance. Throughout our practise we must constantly analyse our techniques, searching out the weak points and striving to rectify them. Executing a positive technique, however, does not mean being brutal with our uke. The delivered power and effectiveness of any technique should never be beyond the ability of your partner's ukemi. They are after all lending you their body and it is your responsibility to look after it. Likewise when training as uke, our attacks should be positive with a full range of motion. An attacker "on the street" will not pull a blow to either side of the target or stop short of it. An attack can be delivered positively in training, at a reduced pace if tori's ability requires this, but they must have "something to work with". Ukemi should be flowing and dynamic, constantly adjusting to tori's technique. A flyaway breakfall before the technique is finished teaches neither party involved anything useful. When both tori and uke are training in a positive manner, the technique comes alive and both start to feel and to learn. Moreover, if we get used to delivering a positive technique in practise, we will be less likely to hold back in the heat of the moment.

Focus
We must always be in the correct mindset when training. Tori must have total focus on what is going on around them and in particular uke's impending attack. They should not however fall into the trap of anticipating a particular attack (something that is often difficult to achieve in practise when the attack and technique are preordained.) Focus must also extend to concentrating the mind on the fact that you are in a martial situation. This does not mean that you should stamp, spit and growl at or attempt to "psych-out" your uke. It does demand that you should focus on the situation that you are in and apply your mind accordingly. During ukemi correct focus is also essential. Uke should concentrate on where the technique is going without forceful resistance or anticipation. You should feel what the technique is doing and take as much as you are able. In this manner, we learn the results of our techniques and better understand what we are doing. If tori and uke lose focus, concentration drifts and the technique will die. By focusing correctly we add a spark to our techniques and accelerate our rate of Aikido development.

Spirit
Many of us (myself included) do not know exactly how we would react if we were the victims of a sudden physical attack. When we train we must develop a strength of spirit that will go a long way to helping us react correctly and, in the worst case, keep going longer than our assailant is willing to. At a simple level this mean having the discipline to get out of the house and train when you don't feel like it. On a more technical level we must nurture the martial spirit never to turn our backs and to keep our eyes on uke for as long as possible. Continuing to train through tiredness, periods of low motivation, slight sickness or injury will also develop the spirit and strength of character to see us through difficult times. It must be stressed though that major illnesses or injuries need time to heal and training in these circumstances would do more harm than good.

When training in a martial manner, we should not be trying to scare the daylights out of our partners or destroy anyone in our path. Both are contrary to the ethics of Aikido. Non practitioners often view Aikido as a soft martial art perhaps as a result of its strong emphasis on defence and spiritual development (both of which are integral parts of the art). However, it is still first and foremost a martial art (one that many have found to be very effective) and must be practised as such. In order to develop the correct martial mind and effectiveness of technique, our practise must comprise all of the elements outlined above regardless of our grade or ability. If it does not, we will soon drift into blindly copying what we are shown without any thought or application. Once we allow this to happen, we are doing little more than dancing!

Sensei Richard Williams