Isn't all Aikido the same? No, not at all.

You could say that Aikido instruction is like the expression that many Americans have about living in Japan. "It's just like home, only different."

Naturally, when we speak of technique, all Aikido is the same, right? Well, no. First there was OSensei, then there were his pre-war students who went their own way. Then there was the death of OSensei and the subsequent exodus of students from the main (Hombu or Aikikai) style. Pre-war Aikido is different from post-war Aikido. Aikikai is different from Iwama Ryu, right? Yes, but. Isn't Iwama, at the very least, associated with Aikikai? Well then, what about Ki Society? What about . . .?

The number of organizations, groups within organizations, and independents with no affiliation seems to grow daily. And, it is axiomatic that the farther from the source, the more diluted the techniques and teachings become.

An additional problem is the inability of people to say "I don't know", and to lower themselves to find out the correct answer to a technique or philosophical point. Many students and teachers, usually of limited experience, are dogmatic about the correctness or incorrectness of a technique. While there is such a thing as "incorrect" technique, many label anything different from what they have seen as WRONG!

It seems rather narrow minded to reject something based on your own ignorance of a variation on the same technique.

Another problem is that there are so many "masters" and "experts" on the art of Aikido. The only really valid question is what are the credentials of these people?

So, How is Seikikai Different?

Good question. In brief, please note that all of the teachers in Seikikai are motivated by principle. While that could be said of most teachers, the association of Seikikai teachers is based on a strict adherence to the philosophies and principles of OSensei. The principles espoused by OSensei were based on a moral and genteel system that is all but totally rejected today in favor of the most recent versions of pop psychology and political rhetoric. Worse still, some try to mix the practical, day-to-day wisdom of Aikido with any religious idea that the person likes that day.

Aikido, that is Seikikai Aikido, is not a religion. OSensei had a religion. Specifically, OSensei was an adherent of Shinto (a native animistic form of worship). He was dedicated in his practice of Shinto, and was known for his constant effort to improve himself in a spiritual sense. But, when asked specifically by a student if that student needed to "convert" to Shintoism, OSensei's answer was, basically, "no", he added "Aikido should make you a better Christian (in this case)".

Aikido is a way of life. In some ways, it is more of a culture or nationality. Aikido is the way you finish your work. Aikido is the way you treat your wife and children. It is the way you walk. It is the way you think. It is the way you continue to seek spiritual truth. OSensei was often seen deep in study.

Aikido is the way you live. Aikido is uniting the best things of one ancient culture to the best things of another ancient culture. What difference does it make if your call today Saturday or Doyobi? It is finding your place and flourishing as a result. 

All Seikikai Teachers Are in a Direct Line of Descent From OSensei

The selection of teachers is strict and all Seikikai teachers believe and follow the cultural and technical teachings of OSensei.

Obviously, a command of the techniques appropriate to the level you are testing for is a major requirement. Whether male of female, the techniques must be effective and well (gracefully) executed.

Next come the time requirements. In Seikikai, we have time requirements, but we don't generally publish them. Why? Because people often seem to focus on collecting hours rather than on genuinely learning how to properly execute technique. Also, some students who attended irregularly think that any hours, put in at any time, must count. This is not the case. The senseis look for hours that relate directly to the test. Remember there is no obligation on the part of the teacher to test anyone. We don't sell "Black Belt" courses.

There is also the matter of respect. In the beginning, students are tested primarily on physical merit. That is to say that coming in and putting in the time and learning the techniques are the most important thing. But, as one tests for higher rank, the teachers look for more maturity not only in technique but in relationships with others in the dojo. Some things to be considered are: is the student kind to others? Does the student show respect to other students. How does the student act outside the dojo?

If we promote a student, the student's technique must be effective and the student must be of good character. The student must show constant improvement and consistently higher thinking.

What If I Don't Get to Test When I Think I Am Ready?

There are several possibilities. One is that you may have been overlooked. The teachers are also busy and can miss a person occasionally.

Another possibility is that you may not have attended enough classes.

There is the possibility that your technique is not adequate.

There is another possibility. It may be that you have made a mistake in dealing with the teacher. If the teacher feels that you are rude or that you do not pay attention to the teacher's instruction, he probably won't test you.

What can you do? First, what not to do. Confrontation is always a bad idea. If your teachers are traditional, they won't waste time arguing with you. What you should do is ask to approach the teacher(s) and find out where you are deficient. If you ask, however, be prepared for the answer. It may hurt. But why are you studying? If you don't want to learn and to improve, why are you wasting everyone's time? Listen and learn.

Bear in mind that it is to the teacher's credit that you progress. Having many skilled and modest black belt students is highly desirable. Having a lot of rude, marginally skilled black belts benefits no one.

Remember, "masakatsu agatsu" "true winning is to win against yourself".

Copyright© 1997 - 2004 Aikido Seikikai Kenjutsu Jodo Seiki Ryu, S.C.