Aikido: The Peaceful Resolution of Conflict
Whenever I’ve written a “deep” article in the past, I’ve noticed that few people are interested. I hope you read this one. I’ve been a little burned out on blogging and have been taking a little break. I feel better now:)
When it comes to the subjects of religion and philosophy, I rarely share my views because people take it so personally. I feel like religion tends to segregate people instead of bringing them together in many cases, especially in America. Martin Luther King said the most segregated time in America in on Sunday morning; he was absolutely correct. I was raised to be a catholic. At age 13, I scrutinized and questioned the beliefs I was taught and decided that I wasn’t a Christian. There seemed to be too many different versions of Christianity, all with differing viewpoints. Every group thinks they are right.
Most of my spiritual and philosophical beliefs come from martial arts, many from the teachings of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. I’ve studied virtually every philosophy, but none are as deep and truly applicable in modern times as his. Aikido is a martial art unlike any other in it’s level of depth and philosophical beauty. In my opinion, Ueshiba was the greatest martial arts master who ever lived. It wasn’t because he could defeat dozens of armed attackers with the utmost of ease, it was the meaning and harmonious nature of what he taught. It is based on the peaceful resolution of conflict, which is apparently impossible to understand by the inept and ignorant leaders who run this world. Aikido should be taught to every child, the world would be a better place.
Here’s a breakdown of what Aikido (way of harmonious spirit) means:
ai - joining, harmonizing
ki - spirit, life energy
do - way, path
The point is, there is always a way to achieve peaceful resolution in all conflict - in everything from terrorism to inner city gangs. Of course, when you have moronic idiots in charge of countries (like George W. Bush), it seems like an impossibility. Morihei Ueshiba, possibly the most prolific and powerful warrior who ever lived (besides Miyamoto Musashi), thought that harmony was the answer to every problem. Think about that. The baddest of the bad found a way to defeat any opponent without killing them. His teachings have had the most profound influence on my personal philosophy.
The hurricane of miracles blows perpetually. Day and night the phenomenon surges around us on all sides, and (not least marvelous) all without disturbing the majestic tranquility of the creation. This tumult is harmony.
-Victor Hugo
It is easy to drop bombs on people, shoot them, not negotiate and have this staunch position of unyielding resolve. What is the difference between dropping a nuclear bomb on a country and fighting them slowly in a long drawn out campaign such as the war in Iraq? Not much. When you think about the casualties on all sides in the current war, people are dying slowly rather than all at once such as by nuclear bomb; however, the public is more accepting of a slow war. It seems too harsh to just blow a country off the map in one strike. Instead, they do it slowly killing even more people, but it’s easier to swallow. Either way, it is an act of cowardice and stupidity.
In gang or prison violence, there’s this emphasis on “respect”. You’ve seen it in action. Some guy says, “You disrespected me fool,” and stabs someone 147 times - blood splattering - body parts lying about. That is the act of an ignorant fool; the same type of ignorant fools who run the military and modern politics. Yes, our current president has an uneducated, gangster mentality.
So I’m watching the current negative campaigning of Hillary Clinton. She proclaims Barack Obama doesn’t have the “kick ass” attitude to be president. Like I said, I’m not happy with any of the candidates, but I like Obama’s decision to be above this stupid wrestling match mentality. Hillary knocks back a shot of whiskey and washes it down with beer so she can appeal to the working class white voter - the people who work in lumber mills, bowl, drink beer and go to church every Sunday. Life is not a football game or a wrestling match…haha. I’ve always wanted a female president, but not Hillary Clinton.
This is exactly why wrestling (the fake wrestling like Hulk Hogan performs) is such a popular form of entertainment in America. People love to get behind some loud mouth idiot who beats people up. These are the types of people who vote in America (sorry if that offends some of you). I will be voting for Obama, mostly because he is smart and charming. I know that sounds stupid in some ways. I think charming, influential people can literally sweet talk other world leaders into a new attitude (he will also start an investigation into Bush war crimes). Sure, the times we tried diplomacy in the past came with tremendous problems, but we immediately reverted back to the old war mentality. We haven’t given diplomacy a fair chance. We need an inspiring and peaceful leader with a calm demeanor, not an abrasive person who will cause more problems than ever. John McCain is an old man who doesn’t know where he’s at half the time. I don’t want another president pissing off the world because of his religious ideology.
Many American Christians despise and are fearful of atheists, but I would argue that there is much to learn from the atheistic viewpoint. I believe that atheists are more open minded than religious people in many respects. When a person learns something, they usually have to really study it before they believe it. The opposite is true of religion; you believe it first and study it later. Most religious people are religious either because their parents taught them or they just decided to be religious later in life after coming in contact with a religious group. I respect your religious views but do not judge me for having different beliefs.
I am not religious, nor an atheist. I believe there is a higher power of some sort, but I have a much different concept of what God is than is taught in tradition. I see god as the energy of life or spirit of the universe. I don’t know what God is, but I do know what I’ve experienced. When you hop on the mat with an Aikido master and are thrown ten feet, you feel the power of God. That harnessed energy (ki, chi or prana), doesn’t come from that person, it comes from the power of the universe or God. It is in us and all around us. After practicing Yoga and martial arts all my life, I am certain that there is something - an unfathomable power we all possess. This is far beyond the scope of this article but wanted to share some of my views.
What separates many eastern religions from western is the cultivation of ki or qi (vital energy or life force) which is developed through yoga and breathing exercises. Contrary to popular belief, yoga is religion. It is part of Hinduism. If you practice yoga or the law of attraction, you are practicing aspects of Hinduism. Basically, it is exercise for your spirit or soul. I do not believe that God lives in the clouds or in the kingdom of heaven. I do not believe bad people burn in hell for all of eternity after they die - that is superstition in my opinion.
I am more agnostic than anything. You can believe whatever you want, but I just don’t know the ultimate truth - neither do you (even if you believe you do). I recently got in an argument in the middle of an Aikido class. This Christian guy refused to practice ki breathing techniques because ki is not mentioned in the bible. He told me that ki was the devil’s working…hahaha! I told him that ki is as real and natural as anything you can touch, see or smell. He literally plugged his ears and loudly hummed so he could not hear (unbelievably, he is a 36 year old doctor). We had to remove him from the class for disrupting us. He allowed his religious beliefs to prevent him from learning the most important aspects of martial arts training. I couldn’t believe how close-minded and childish he was.
I recommend all world leaders (and you) to read a fantastic book:
It is “Aikido In Everyday Life - Giving in to get your way”. This book explains how to achieve the peaceful resolution of conflict in every situation - the art of intelligence. I challenge you to read it. It is possible to win by losing or giving in, something above the heads of most western thought. By pulling out of the Iraq war does not declare that we lost - which is the dumbed down thinking of many people. Is requiring a leader to have intelligence too much to ask? This is one reason I am voting for Obama, he exemplifies this idea and the world has yet to implement such wisdom. When I hear someone brag about how tough they are, I am unimpressed (which is how Hillary defines herself). Yes, I think of Obama as being on a higher level of intellect than all the other current candidates. He is not perfect, but is the best of the available choices. I could care less what religion a president practices. I wish people weren’t so close-minded. I live in a country where an atheist will never be elected, which is ridiculous - something to think about.
He who will not apply new remedies must expect old evils
-Francis Bacon
My martial arts background: The first art I ever learned was Moo Duk Kwan (which means school of martial virtue, an old school variation of modern Tae Kwon Do, the Korean martial art many people are familiar with). Luckily for me, I had a fantastic teacher, Dr. Donald Green. He taught me that compassion was much more important than hurting people. He was very philosophical, and amazingly so considering his incredible and smart fighting style. I spent nine years studying Hapkido (a Korean art of joint locks, throwing and striking), and have been involved in boxing, freestyle jujitsu and Aikido ever since. I have learned to not get mad and to treat others with kindness and love through martial arts. Whatever path you choose in life, may it be one of peace and love:)
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Awesome post. I feel that most people don’t comment because they are afraid of differing opinions, or conflict. They’d rather be behind the big Hulk Hogan bully than face being in front of him and having him conflict their butt all over the place, if you know what I mean. It would be a big pill of pride to swallow. But that still doesn’t make it right. And I’m not saying I’m brave enough to take it either, those are just my thoughts as to why people may not comment on those types of posts. As far as your religious (or non-religious) beliefs, I’m not sure that I agree with them all, but I have seen how you behave (at least online) and how you treat others and that is where the proof is, I think. And I keep coming back so it must mean I think you have some of the right ideas.
That Aikido sounds like something I’d like to learn more about. So I will add that to the list.
teeni’s last blog post..Earth Day Speech
Hi Teeni! I think some people may be offended because I harshly attack the Bush administration and the war mentality; however, I respect people and don’t look down on them if they love him and his ideas. I am anti-violence, against the death penalty and anti-war. War should be the last resort in every situation. I do believe in God, but I believe we are part of God, not separate. God is everywhere and in everything, which is much different than most western religions. I do believe there is intelligent order in the whole of life, but cannot explain it. I’m not implying that only stupid people watch wrestling (something I thought about after I published the post), but I do think it’s kind of silly and geared towards children rather than adults.
Basically, I believe there is always a better choice than violence, but I know many people disagree. Maybe I’m wrong but am happy with my views! I come from an all republican Christian family and disagree with all of them - I do love them very much though
no journey into self would be complete without a desire to find inner peace.. i do believe that if we were each to put as much effort into being truly at peace with ourselves,, as we do into material, and or physical ventures,, we would be ever so much closer to peace…
i know what i think and say and do has little if any effect on the world,, and i have no desire to become part of any contingency for or against world anything… but i believe that i am doing in my own back yard,, what the human populace claims to want to do,, but cannot see their way clear to actually undertake….
paisley’s last blog post..distraction
Hi Bobby! I have to admit I’m one of them. I usually don’t know how to comment all your brilliant articles but I try to comment on this hehe
Thank you for recommending the book, I will definitely look for it the next time I go to the bookshop. I think Obama ‘kick ass’ because I’ve seen everywhere, the newspaper, the internet, you tube, blogs, etc. And Chelsea Clinton is more famous than the mother.
emila yusof’s last blog post..Wrinkle - IF
Great subject. I am glad I found your blog. Would you mind sometime maybe adding an
article to my website so that others may read this too? I think that my visitors would really enjoy the stuff i found here. Thanks and I will visit often. I know that I have had trouble finding blogs on Aikido in the past. I haven’t been in a dojo in over a year but i still find myself doing irimi’s and tenkan’s when I am bored. It’s wierd how Ifind myself using “everyday Aikido” in conversation or just my normal movement.
Great blog indeed!
Thank you for this post. I agree, the heart of Aikido is harmony with rather than conflict against the situation. As mirrored in world events it shows that resolutions can be achieved successfully by other than the greatest force of arms.
My time doing Aikido had a great impact on me; it was the reason for the title of my blog. Although I think I was calm and open to many ideas before I started, it has enabled me to maintain my calm and harmonious outlook to life. It doesn’t stop me venting at times, I not perfect by any stretch, but I’m able to quickly return to calm.
Regards,
Ian
Ian’s last blog post..Teachers to strike over pay
Hi Paisley, the effect you have on the world is determined by you. If you believe it has little if any, then you will have little if any. You can have an incredibly huge effect if you choose to
Thanks Emila, but my article is not brilliant, it’s just not the subject matter most people are interested in; however, it should be. I completely understand where you’re coming from though. Most of us live fairly comfortable lives, but aren’t exposed to the world’s true problems in a way that gets proper attention. Have a great day!
Thanks Ian! I believe it is difficult for people to understand the idea of conflict being changed to harmony. Anyone who studies Aikido (or other similar arts such as hapkido, soft gung-fu or jujitsu), will gain a new understanding of true power.
Western though dictates that a person’s size and musculature defines power; however, those who learn aikido know differently. A military force is gaged by the amount, deadliness of weaponry and size of troops while the real power is in harmony and intelligence - striving for peace. While many countries are really for peace, they are going about it in the wrong way. They would do well to learn Aikido
I dont think Hillary knows what she’s talking about.
Anyway, religion is a very sensitive issue, that most people tend to take it very seriously. That’s why I try not to bring in religion in my posts.
Haney’s last blog post..People Who Make Themselves Feel Better
Ah! Religion and Politics! Thats my favorite topic of discussion! But unfortunately, dunno much to discuss about American politics except to talk about the narrow margin between Obama and Hilary
But religion is something that always keep me all worked up. lolz. I guess people are not very comfortable discussing about religion because we live in a “secular” world where different people of different religion meet and socialize, and where we must respect each other’s religion. But at the same time, our religion (like Christianity, Islam and Judaism - the Abrahamic religions, to be more precise) also teaches that those who do not follow that particular faith, will go to Hell. And so, when we all believe in Hell, sometimes its like an insult or blasphemy to be told by other people that we are the ones going to Hell and not them (By “we” I meant any one. Not to be taken literally).
Religion has caused the most number of deaths and violence today. But looking at the positive side, I think religion also brings about a moral code of living. Many sociologists have attempted to link the relationship between virtue and religion, and many are still in disagreement with each other regarding its connection.
For example, most of us have been taught since childhood not to steal. We were told not to steal, not because it is bad thing in itself, but because it is a sin. People brought up without religion may more or less not know the reason why they shouldn’t steal. Before the rise of Islam, Christianity etc, look at how the Pagans of Rome led their life in debauchery those days…
Any way, I would love to discuss more regarding this topic. Sorry for rambling a bit. I just got excited because this is the topic I love the most
hehehe. I am a Presbyterian. But as a Christian, what hurts me the most is the rift that exists between not just roman catholics and protestants, but also between denominations within the same protestant hold. Maybe we’ll talk more regarding that later 
Right now, I just wish I could lay my hands on the book that you’ve recommended.
Sandman’s last blog post..Chp 168. Birthday High
Hi Haney! I really wish religion wasn’t such a sensitive issue, but I think people should not take differing opinions personally. I had an ex-girlfriend who I wanted to marry, but her family demanded I convert to Judaism before they would accept me. She dumped me because of it - I was devastated. Several months later, she married another guy who wouldn’t convert either. He was a multi-millionaire, so I guess she and her family found it in their hearts to overlook it!
It’s great to see you Sandman, it’s been a little while!
I live in a region of the United States known as the “Bible Belt”, where virtually everyone is a Christian of one sect or another. Most are friendly and tolerant of others, but some are not. For instance, there is the St.Thomas Catholic church, which has branches in many different towns. People in one town don’t like getting visitors from others even though they are the same church! That is unbelievable.
I do agree with you that religion does offer a code of morals, but some people take it too far and allow it to affect their tolerance of other beliefs. Overall, I think religion is a good thing and I think religious people tend to do more good in the world than those who are not; however, like you said, much violence and many wars are because of it.
Though I claim to not be religious, I do believe in God and am very spiritual - something that is very important to me. I’m just not associated with any organized group or particular denomination. I believe in respecting other’s beliefs and don’t judge or dislike because of them. Thanks so much for visiting and happy birthday again!
Amazing posts thanks for sharing, I am very close to your viewing of religion, and I also do not consider myself as a member of certain religion but in a same time I do not consider myself as an atheist as well. It all boils down to the question of the spirituality, which is always unjustifiably bounded with religion. I think that the moral grounds and ethic development are something that people were building throughout the centuries and that is not something that could be simply learned from the book. All major religions had betraited themselfs during the history and it is time to overcome rigid and outdated stuff.
One great writer Danilo Kis said once that there is no danger in reading of a lot of books, the real danger is in reading only one book.
Jasko’s last blog post..Entrecard Experience
oops, I pressed enter by mistake, please don’t publish the previous comment. lolz.
Ok, regarding your comment, I so totally agree with you. And you have stated that you are a Christian but not associated with any group and you’re not deeply religious. I do not blame you at all, my friend. Because I too have gone through a spirtual camp (what we protestants call “born again” camp) and I had such an uplifting experience. But as I got more and more deeper into Christianity and its principle, I realized that it is just not possible to do that in a multi-religious surrounding.
Back in my State Mizoram which is a 90% Christian State, it is possible to fulfill every Christian principles. But outside Mizoram, at the rest of India, it is not possible to do that, because the lifestyle is so different. First of all, we cannot preach (Go forth and spread the Word of the Good Lord) because the government can jail us using its “Anti-conversion bill”. So proselytizing is out of the question.
Secondly, outside Mizoram, we are exposed to so many religious culture and customs of religions that is not a part of Christianity, where sometimes it is impossible not to take part in. Back in Mizoram, it is easy for the preachers to cry out “sinners” to us, because they are not going through it.
Also the fact that I have so many friends who are Hindus and Muslims, which some hardcore fundamentalist Christian groups declare as something we shuldn’t have. So there is the great big clash between extremists and the rest. Some claim we shoudn’t let our children watch pokemon, cartoons, and especially cartoons that have dragons in it because a dragon is the sign of 666 according to Relevations. Some others claim that Christians shouldn’t practice yoga or meditation of any sort.
Thats what I can’t stand the most about Christianity: The Fundamentalists. They believe God speaks only to them and that what they do, however bizarre it may be, is the work of God. They soon have a “Holier than thou” status (if you trace carefully, you will see this was also one of the reasons for the rise of the Protestant movement). Suddenly somebody comes forward every now and then saying he or she was in Heaven while she was sleeping and met Jesus and some of their neighbours in Mizoram. And immediately every attention is on them. Some Church leaders are so corrupt but they claim that anyone questioning them is doing the work of the Devil.
Likewise, the KKK too believed they were doing the work of God (refer “The Curse of Ham”) when they were burning and killing former African slaves. When anyone believes he or she is doing God’s will, that person becomes unstoppable. And extremely dangerous.
Some claimed we shouldnt listen to non-secular music as it is a sin. Others claim even gospel music which follows the style of rock or rap etc, are the work of the devil. Trust me, its a crazy world we live in.
All these led me to wane down a bit from that spiritual experience and I have stopped writing gospel articles on my blog a long time ago and am now back to writing secular articles. But the one good thing I have really gained from that spiritual camp is, I have completely stopped drinking hard liquor and now stick to beer only, and that too only on few special ocassions, at a very moderate quantity. I was an alcoholic before I went to that camp
Sandman’s last blog post..Chp 168. Birthday High
I could not agree more. Very thought provoking post by the way. I do believe that it all boils down to spirituality and a search for a true understanding of how we relate to and create a meaningful relationship with our higher power. Honestly, some of the least christian people I have ever known I have met at church. Some are so arrogant and self centered preaching down to you that they have totally forgotten some of the basic code of ethics we are supposed to be living by. Where is the compassion, forgiveness, chairity and love we are supposed to have for our fellow man? I’ll freely admit that my church fellowship is a cross section of humanity, and we have everyone there from the best to the worst examples of what moral codes we should live by. I guess the hypocrisy of it all bothers me more than anything at times. No one is without fault, but is it too much to ask that we do not like by a “do as I say not as I do” moral?
Thanks Jasko, I really love that Danilo Kis quote, it is absolutely true. There is a new movement called the “new atheists” which are a fundamentalist group equally as disturbing as any fundamentalist religion. They are all missing the truth and will end up causing more problems than ever.
Humanity can have strong ethics without subscribing to any form of strict religious thought. I respect all people’s beliefs until they become dangerous and breed hatred and intolerance. The world needs empathy now more than ever, not more reasons to be separate. Thanks so much for reading!
Thanks Susan! First, I want to thank the religious people who really do care and do not judge others. I do believe that governments use religious dogma to control and manipulate public opinion which is truly at the heart of the terrorism problem. People need to wake up. With so much negativity surrounding the Muslim faith, the frightening fundamentalist Christians are equally to blame for many problems. I am afraid of what is going on with the world’s religions and it’s time for humanity to rise above them to find the love and empathy we all need so very much
Hi Aaron for some reason your comment didn’t take!
Hi Aaron, your comment didn’t show up so I reprinted it:
Hey buddy! Ive been a little out of the loop in the blogging world lately, but am slowly catching up and getting back into the swing of things. I needed a bit of a break, too.
There seemed to be too many different versions of Christianity, all with differing viewpoints. Every group thinks they are right. - Very true, indeed. There are too many varying versions of many similar beliefs.
Heres a related video that Im sure youll find quite interesting:
People need to familiarize themselves with the facts about religion its roots, its history, and what it teaches today. For example, the history of the devil (http://www.guba.com/watch/3000087824). Very interesting.
In one derives his/her information from just one source (like the Bible, for example), then one is doomed to be quite misinformed and quite misled. In all facets of life we require the application of logic, scientific/tangible proof and the validation of facts via multiple sources (sources without an agenda, of course) except for when it comes to religion. Then we are asked (expected) to throw all that stuff out the door and simply have faith and believe. Nope, thats not an approach that works for me especially when it comes to my eternity.
Additionally, the vast majority of people simply believe that which they were brought up to believe as children never having explored (in entirety) the countless other religions that exist (and spring up) today. Its as silly as saying/believing Dodge is the best, when youve never once seen, touched or driven a Toyota, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Cadillac, Jeep, Hyundai, Mazda, Saab, Volkswagen, etc.
Anyway, excellent post. Id love to comment more but Ive got a lot of catching up to do!
Shine on,
Aaron
Yes that youtube link caused the comment not to go through. That is an excerpt from Zeitgeist, a film I’ve been recommending for several months and also mentioned for the 5th time in my newest post. People are often unwilling to even listen to the truth, but this film is extremely difficult to dispute. Really, the film does not say to not believe in God, but to understand God in a truthful way.
Have you watched the entire 2 hour version from the Zeitgeist website? They are one of Ron Paul’s biggest supporters and it’s a shame he didn’t get a nomination - I wish I could vote for him.
It’s really good to see you here, and I’m glad you are an informed citizen. It is up to you and I - along with many others who can help spread truth and bring people together, not separate them further. Have a great day Aaron!
Hey buddy, appreciate your reposting of my comment.
Haven’t seen the full version yet, but am looking forward to it as soon as I can. Oh, and don’t count Ron Paul out just yet! He just got 16% of the vote in the republican primary in Pennsylvania…a very pleasant surprise that shows that the “Revolution” is growing, growing, growing!
And in Nevada yesterday…”Delegates cheered earlier in the day as former presidential hopeful Mitt Romney urged support for McCain. Later, though, Paul got even louder applause as he delivered his message of individual freedom and fiscal responsibility.”
Yeah! We’ve just gotta keep plugging along and things will work themselves out. Main stream media has done its damnedest to keep Ron Paul’s message under wraps in order to protect their own wallets, but more and more people are seeing through it day after day after day.
Anyway, take care, my friend. I appreciate you.
Shine on,
Aaron
Aaron Cook’s last blog post..Hump Day Humor: Russian Dolls - Alex Nussbaum
Just to clarify, I am not a Christian. I was raised to be one but am no longer, I changed my views at age 13. I believe that Jesus is a myth; he is an astrotheological literary hybrid derived from the Egyptian sun god Horus who was also born Dec. 25, died for three days an was resurrected. Basically, there are dozens of sun gods who share the exact same traits as Jesus. I do not believe that Jesus was a real person - he is real, but only in the Bible and never actually made it into the historical record. I know that religious people find that offensive, but I think people do not actually know the true history of how the bible was written.
Having said that, I do believe there is something, but I do not believe anything in the bible. I have lost friends and destroyed relationships all because I don’t believe in the bible. I believe if I ever get married, it will probably not be with a religious person. There are people that despise and hate me because I don’t believe what they believe - so I am a little disgruntled with religion in general.
I have strong ethics and moral values and am a good person, but in the eyes of a Christian, I am a lost soul who will burn in the fires of hell. Thank God I don’t believe any of that. I sincerely hope I didn’t offend you and hope you don’t judge me for what I believe because I have been shunned and condescended upon by many Christians. I think some of them would probably kill me if their preacher told them to…hahahahahaha! Thanks Sandman, have a great day
Hi Aaron, Ron Paul would have to win the republican primary to stand any kind of chance. I could do a write in in the general election for him, but it is more important at this stage to keep McCain out of office. If it’s between Hillary and McCain, I will be forced to do a Ron Paul write in because I couldn’t live with myself voting for either of them…hahaha
[...] talked about how we do not realize how much power we truly have in my previous post on aikido. You live your life, do the best you can and become a slave to society itself. People have this [...]