Saotome shihan at Aikido of Tamalpais
May 12-13, 2001

Contributed by Jamie Exley*

Aikido of Tamalpais had the privilege of hosting a seminar with Mitsugi Saotome shihan over the weekend of May 12. Participants represented dojos from across Northern California as well as Chicago and Washington D.C. Sensei chose to emphasize the importance of aikido's fundamental principles, and for much of the time I felt as though he was speaking directly to me.

One main theme that Sensei stressed was the concept of mushin. To the best of my understanding, mushin is the state of having no set agenda or preconceptions when entering into a situation. Sensei expressed this idea by telling us that at the initial moment of contact the synapses of our nervous system should be in constant communication with the brain. This communication allows us to spontaneously adapt our technique, and deal with uke in the most efficient way possible.

For me, this is the single most difficult aspect of aikido training. In the two weeks since Sensei's visit I have tried to develop my own mushin with frustratingly little success. For example, in jiyuwaza practice I find myself saying before the attack comes "this time I'll do iriminage". However, when I force myself not to think of a technique, I invariably stand still like a deer in the headlights and get hit by the incoming attack. Whenever I encounter an uke who is not easily thrown, instead of letting go of my ego and allowing a technique to organically grow out of the situation, I revert to searching for some kind of trick that will overcome my partner. Surprisingly enough, I am finding that the most dangerous thing in my mushin training is success. Sometimes I perform a throw that feels fantastic. When this occurs I immediately cling to that moment, and try to recreate some aspect of the technique the next time around. It is at these times that I feel that I am farthest from the concept of mushin.

However, there seems to be a light at the end of this tunnel, and I am happy to report that I see it when I am taking ukemi. I am frequently aware that I have two contrasting personalities in my aikido training. If Mr. Hyde presents himself when I am nage, then Dr. Jekkel appears when I am uke. In receiving technique, I find it much easier to embody the principle of non-attachment that Saotome sensei conveyed. I feel more present in the moment and, in general, it is at these times that I can see the incredible potential that aikido offers. Hopefully with practice all of my aikido will begin to portray this idea of "no self".

Another issue that Saotome sensei repeatedly commented on was the fact that there are no "styles" in aikido. He warned us not to try to imitate our teacher's mannerisms and habits, but rather to develop the true spirit of aiki in our own hearts. With respect to this, Sensei said that he can only present us with information, and that it is our job to take that information and use it to foster our own true aikido. Personally, to take sole responsibility for my own development is simultaneously inspirational and frightening.

The highlight of the weekend for me occurred after Friday night's class. Sensei, who had already changed into his blue jeans and T-shirt, stepped back on the mat to throw an enthusiastic Neville Nason repeatedly with effortless grace. This exhibition was so compelling that everyone present was stopped dead in our tracks as nage and uke projected an incredible sensation of joy and harmony. The demonstration continued until Neville was so exhausted that he could no longer pick himself up off the ground. After the dust had settled the entire dojo erupted into applause. I must admit to eavesdropping as someone asked Neville what it was like to be thrown by Sensei, and he responded that now he knew what a basketball must feel like when it is in the hands of Michael Jordan.

Thank you to sensei Wendy Palmer, George Leonard and the members of Tamalpais Dojo for allowing this seminar to happen. Thank you to all who attended for creating an atmosphere of cooperation and learning. Most of all, thank you to Saotome sensei for his incredible generosity in sharing his aikido with us. In retrospect I know that it was a weekend well spent because it has raised the level of my own training over the last few weeks.

*Jamie Exley is 2nd kyu at Aikido of Tamalpais. He trained previously at Seishinkai Dojo near Philadelphia until his move to the west coast.