Elemental Aikido

I've been thinking about these elements, drawn from multiple traditions: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, Wood and Metal, and what makes a good aikido technique.

Here are a few initial thoughts. Like a good technique, I'm sure this will refine over time as I polish them through more reflection.

Earth is the grounding element. The practical. The ground we stand on. Does it work? Is it efficient? Is it true to the values and aspirations of our practice?

Air is the power of the breath. The spiritual connection between the seen and the unseen. Does it have a connection to a higher purpose?

Water is the flow. The ease of connection that moves, yielding, yet unyieldingly, toward its goal. Are you moving in harmony with your partner? Are you seeking resolution of the conflict?

Fire is the vitality. Does it have "zip"? Is the technique flat, mono-cromatic or dynamic and spirited? Does it spark something in you and the other person?

Wood is the Nature element. Does it follow the principles of nature, the Laws of the Universe? Is it transforming and creative? Is there a complete cycle, from beginning to end, of initiation, growth (natural development) and fading away which restores the natural harmony found in Nature?

Metal is the Mineral element. Metal is raw ore (from the Earth), forged (with Fire and Air), tempered (with Water) and shaped. Have you been "tempered" by your practice? Does your technique have "shape"? Is it a useful tool for the intended purpose?

A good technique is multi-layered, multi-dimensional. It has the depth of familiarity born from constant repetition. It has the ability to change and adapt to an ever-changing situation. It's effective without being damaging. It restores harmony.

To the mix, I would also add the notion of proportion. What is enough? What is too much? Too much of one element, not enough of another, throws the alchemy off and the intended result will not happen.

Too much Fire and you burn yourself, and others, out. You get injured. You get burned.

Not enough Air (holding your breath) and your energy fades. You run out of breath and are exhausted.

Too much Earth and you get stuck. New ideas and ways can't grow because the ground is not fertile or packed so hard the seed just sits on the surface.

Also add the idea of how the elements work together.

Add some Water, but not too much, and the Earth softens, the seed takes root. Add the warmth of the Sun (Fire), but not too much, and the seed opens and becomes a maturing plant. The plant takes in our "exhaust" (carbon dioxide - what we exhale) and gives back purified Air (oxygen). A transformation happens within the body of the plant.

You get the picture.

All this is nothing new. If you think about it, you know it already. The difficult part is living it.

That is our practice.

See you on the mat.