In AIKIDO I think it's ?

Question

I have my blak belt in AIKIDO, but I did not get this belt from slapping the mat every time some one thew me tot he mat. I think this is the most stupid and unlearned things one could do... Abd all the bowing that you haft to do... It took me 4 years to get this black belt, and I let them know right off, that I was not going to slap the mat nor was I going to bow every time that I walked in to the dojo or walked out.. SICK SICK SICK. What do you think?

Answer 1

Sorry but 'rastagrappler' is right.

Proper observance of etiquette is as much a part of your training as is learning techniques. In many cases observing proper etiquette requires one to set aside ones pride or comfort. Nor should matters of etiquette be considered of importance only in the dojo. Standards of etiquette may vary somewhat from one dojo or organisation to another, but the following guidelines are nearly universal. Please take matters of etiquette seriously.

It is common for people to ask about the practise of bowing in aikido. In particular, many people are concerned that bowing may have some religious significance. It does not. In Western culture, it is considered proper to shake hands when greeting someone for the first time, to say "please" when making a request, and to say "thank you" to express gratitude. In Japanese culture, bowing (at least partly) may fulfil all these functions. Bear in mind, too, that in European society only a few hundred years ago a courtly bow was a conventional form of greeting.

Incorporating this particular aspect of Japanese culture into our aikido practise serves several purposes:

It inculcates a familiarity with an important aspect of Japanese culture in aikido practitioners. This is especially important for anyone who may wish, at some time, to travel to Japan to practise aikido. There is also a case to be made for simply broadening ones cultural horizons.

Bowing may be an expression of respect. As such, it indicates an open-minded attitude and a willingness to learn from ones teachers and fellow students.

Bowing to a partner may serve to remind you that your partner is a person - not a practise dummy. Always train within the limits of your partner's abilities.

The initial bow, which signifies the beginning of formal practise, is much like a "ready, begin" uttered at the beginning of an examination. So long as class is in session, you should behave in accordance with certain standards of deportment. Aikido class should be somewhat like a world unto itself. While in this "world," your attention should be focused on the practice of aikido. Bowing out is like signaling a return to the "ordinary" world.

When bowing either to the instructor at the beginning of practice or to one's partner at the beginning of a technique it is considered proper to say "onegai shimasu" (literally: "I request a favor") and when bowing either to the instructor at the end of class or to one's partner at the end of a technique it is considered proper to say "domo arigato gozaimashita" ("thank you").

Sorry for the essay.

Answer 2

I doubt very much you earned a black belt in a discipline after expressing such a disrespectful attitude right off the bat.

Answer 3

A black belt means nothing.

Its is just for the ego.

If you are fine with your great black belt, good for you.

If you did not take the chance to experiment something new and see the practice from a different angle, you lost a great opportunity to become more flexible. Maybe if you continue practicing (with this attitude I doubt you will, maybe just a few more years), you might still get a chance....

Answer 4

When it comes to slapping, I agree, if you don't have to, you shouldn't.  On the other hand, its not meant for effect - it actually does dissipate the energy and soften the landing.  

Ideally, the 'hardfall' should have been a roll but it doesn't always work out like that.  To learn ukemi means to learn all the aspects of ukemi - even the ones that make no sense to you.

As far as the bowing, Aikido is a Japanese art.  Generally, dojos keep with that and use Japanese etiquitte on the mat.  That means lots of bowing.  You can attach whatever meaning to it you like, but as they say, when in Rome.... so when on the mat, be like everyone else.

Mushin is right - its not religious, it the Japanese equivalent of a handshake.

Mushin is also right in that we say please and thank you.  If we don't, we should learn better manners.  There is a big difference between 'let me get a soda' or 'loan me a dollar' and 'may I have a soda please?' and 'may I borrow a dollar please?'  These things are not just said out of respect for the other person but because it also inspires respect FROM the other person.  Personally, I hear the former statements and I think 'what an a*****e'.  I hear the latter statements and I think 'maybe, maybe not, but I respect the fact the person has common courtesy.

Same thing on the mat.  I bow to everyone.  When someone doesn't bow back, its like a slap in the face - it tells me alot about their character and usually, I'm right on the money.

When it comes to slapping out and bowing, did you ever ask why these things are done?  Your instructors, it they are worth their salt, should be able to explain it to you without problem.

Quite often, a thing will make no sense at first but even without asking, will just kind of dawn on you after a while.  To get to that moment of understanding you have to keep doing whatever you think stupid and do so with an open mind.

'I don't understand this' rather than 'this is stupid' - again, notice the difference a few words can make to both people listening to you and in your own head.  Wakarimasen man, wakarimasen.

Aikido is a 'Way' not a 'method' (hence the do rather than jutsu).  Aikido isn't all about the techniques, its about a mindset and philosophy (not religion) manifest in physical practice.

Ikkyo doesn't work in the board room, but the principles of no-resistance, redirection, neutralization...  those are useful on the mat AND the boardroom.

To me, it sounds like you didn't really begin to learn much of the real art yet.  Then again, that's what a shodan is - the rank where you are actually acknowledged to be a real student of the art - its where the real art begins.  Everything up to that point was basically prep work to prepare you for the actual training.

I don't think you are going to get the answer it seems you want to get.  I'm sorry you feel this way about your training.

Answer 5

.....Hm, you're being very disrespectful, you're not bowing so that you can get a black belt, you're bowing to show courtesy and respect to the dojo itself. Shrink your head a little bit, you're not so great that you don't have to even make an effort to bow. I do hope that you'll start bowing now that you're a black belt, maybe set a good example to the other students? Has your Sensei made any mention of you neglecting to bow or slap the floor? If he hasn't explicitly stated that he wants you to do it, then you're fine, he's a more modern teacher, but if he has, then do it, nothing wrong with tradition.

Answer 6

my buddy thinks the same thing and he has a blown rotator cuff in his shoulder now....slapping the mat spreads the impact....as in you don't jam your arms..

bowing whatever...