In Aikido,we say there are no winners and no losers. Many believe this is because Aikido does not have formal competitions like other martial arts. But that's not the reason. Simply put, during practice, a student does not have to beat another student to a pulp to be a "winner." In other words, to prove he or she can throw someone.
What's not apparent when watching Aikido techniques, whether in person or on video, is the energy and intent being extended by the uke, the person taking the fall, the "attacker." So, an observer might assume that a one size fits all technique is being used. However, training teaches us that each attack has its own energy. A punch can "feel" different than a grab, etc. To learn, the uke must extend the proper Ki for each attack. so nage (defender) can learn.
That feeling, over time, is recognized by the subconscious mind, which in turn associates the feeling with a particular technique. The subconscious decides which technique to use. It may have dozens to choose from depending on the length and quality of the training. That decision is made in a mere fraction of a second because the subconscious is so much faster than the conscience mind. That's why we practice techniques repeatedly until they become part of our natural movements. We don't have to think about moving.
So, it may appear that Aikido students are "cooperating," and in a sense they are. We want our subconscious to instantly recognize what options it has. These options can include techniques to hurt or not hurt the attacker. Maybe a simple sidestep is called for rather that causing a face plant.
This is how we help each other learn. As experience grows, attacks may get faster and harder, but the response still should be a quick, but calm decision by the subconscious mind. This is not a new concept. It's been around for centuries. But it's forgotten and rediscovered over and over again. Cooperation is how humans advance, not domination. See you on the mat!
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