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Seido Aikikai Training Methodology
Training at Seido Aikikai is multi-faceted, but may be divided into two basic approaches: Dojo Aikido and Tactical Aikido, which may be likened to the difference between kata and waza.
Dojo Aikido
Dojo Aikido is kata, the practice of techniques for the purpose of developing basic skills. Uke avoids unnecessary resistance in order for Nage to concentrate on improving the skill of whatever technique they happen to be working on. This style of practice is essential to allow everyone from beginner to advanced to focus on the many facets of mental, physical, and spiritual training essential to improving their aiki. We first learn to walk before we start running.
Moreover, Dojo Aikido safely provides the basis for the Tactical Aikido. Most martial arts rely on gross body movement to perform techniques. Aikido techniques rely on fine motor skills. During periods of stress, fine motor skills tend to deteriorate due to lack of muscle memory. Dojo Aikido provides a safe, non-stress matrix in which to develop the fine motor skill muscle memory essential to performing Aiki techniques under stress. In addition, Dojo Aikido provides the script which both Uke and Nage follow to achieve the end result of technique development without injury.
Tactical Aikido
Unfortunately, Dojo Aikido reinforces illusions among many Aikido practitioners as to the true nature of physical combat. Several factors contribute to this illusion. Repeated training exercises, although essential to skills development, nevertheless accustom us in Pavlovian fashion to a particular stimulus / response sequence, which by further repetition dulls our awareness and ability to adapt quickly to the unexpected.
Both Uke and Nage have a natural tendency to fall into the complacency of expectation, with the result of Uke often submitting to a substandard application of technique rather than out of necessity. This is the Theater School of Aikido, in which Uke submits because that is Uke's scripted role. Thus Dojo Aikido contributes to Nage's belief that one attack can be controlled with one Aikido technique all the time, every time.
Tactical Aikido, on the other hand, emphasizes waza, the instinctive utilization of technique. Because a true physical conflict is neither predictable nor pleasant, Tactical Aikido stresses ending the conflict early through intensity and effectiveness of techniques, many of which are too dangerous to be fully implemented and can only be practiced under strict supervision. In Tactical Aikido we focus on following the energy as it is, changing techniues as necessary, rather than attempting to complete a technique for its own sake. Tactical conditions demand that we be mentally prepared to utilize every technique available, including strikes, kicks, and grappling.
Uke and Nage
The relationship between Uke and Nage is alternatively one of giving and receiving energy, each person using this energy in turn to develop his or her skills.
Uke provides the initial energy through the attack. Nage responds with a technique which redirects the energy back to Uke, who must then reabsorb this energy, utilizing ukemi to reduce the impact of the technique.
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