Comments on: The Power of Calmness http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/ Thoughts on Aikido Practice Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:24:09 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Dunken francis http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-744 Dunken francis Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:42:28 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-744 I was a pro musician in quite a successful band back in the 90's, and my experiences on and off stage definitely redefined how I practiced on the mat. You quickly realise that sometimes things are beyond control and you simply have to relax and let life flow around you. I was a pro musician in quite a successful band back in the 90’s, and my experiences on and off stage definitely redefined how I practiced on the mat. You quickly realise that sometimes things are beyond control and you simply have to relax and let life flow around you.

]]> By: Eric Holcomb http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-742 Eric Holcomb Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:50:53 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-742 In the very little that I interacted with either of them, I do remember the slim-guy telling me once that the big guy had a LOT to teach and that I should consider quitting Aikikai and studying with him full time. I did not but did learn a great deal from him regardless. One thing that stands out was a statement he made to the effect that the key element in performing a perfect shomenuchi-ikyo was condfindence. I think he was right. Not only that, I believe that it was confidence that added so much to slim guy's calm. So, in response to David's question, I think the asnwer is, "Training". Lots and lots of tough training will make you good at what you do. Being good will generally bring you confidence. From confidence will come calm. Avoiding Starbucks, SBC and the other caffeine pushers might help too ... ;-) In the very little that I interacted with either of them, I do remember the slim-guy telling me once that the big guy had a LOT to teach and that I should consider quitting Aikikai and studying with him full time. I did not but did learn a great deal from him regardless. One thing that stands out was a statement he made to the effect that the key element in performing a perfect shomenuchi-ikyo was condfindence. I think he was right. Not only that, I believe that it was confidence that added so much to slim guy’s calm.

So, in response to David’s question, I think the asnwer is, “Training”. Lots and lots of tough training will make you good at what you do. Being good will generally bring you confidence. From confidence will come calm.

Avoiding Starbucks, SBC and the other caffeine pushers might help too … ;-)

]]> By: userhacker http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-741 userhacker Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:34:52 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-741 For some reason I'm reminded of the Tao Te Ching and the idea that you do what is appropriate when it is appropriate, no more, no less. So perhaps the proper complement of high energy (the resounding kiai) is low energy (centered calmness). So he was calm when it was time to be calm, just as he moved back when it was time to move back, forward when it was time to advance. For some reason I’m reminded of the Tao Te Ching and the idea that you do what is appropriate when it is appropriate, no more, no less. So perhaps the proper complement of high energy (the resounding kiai) is low energy (centered calmness). So he was calm when it was time to be calm, just as he moved back when it was time to move back, forward when it was time to advance.

]]> By: Abhijit http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-740 Abhijit Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:11:34 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-740 Knowing the personalities you describe, visualizing this duel didn't take much doing. Another lesson that I learned from your "slim" protagonist is never to underestimate one's opponent. His lack of "physicality" and softness of movement camoflauged his strength and experience. I've amply learned THAT lesson working with him at camps. Knowing the personalities you describe, visualizing this duel didn’t take much doing. Another lesson that I learned from your “slim” protagonist is never to underestimate one’s opponent. His lack of “physicality” and softness of movement camoflauged his strength and experience. I’ve amply learned THAT lesson working with him at camps.

]]> By: David http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-734 David Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:36:27 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-734 Well-told story ... and good point. But how to actually <em>develop</em> that calmness under extreme pressure, that's the trick! Well-told story … and good point.

But how to actually develop that calmness under extreme pressure, that’s the trick!

]]> By: John http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-733 John Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:12:18 +0000 http://aikithoughts.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/the-power-of-calmness/#comment-733 Interesting - I used to play bass in a classic-rock cover band. I haven't gigged in about 15 years, but I still have my basses: a Fender Precision, an early 60s Gibson EB-2 and a Guild. I really should get back into playing, maybe it'll enhance my karate skills! Interesting – I used to play bass in a classic-rock cover band. I haven’t gigged in about 15 years, but I still have my basses: a Fender Precision, an early 60s Gibson EB-2 and a Guild. I really should get back into playing, maybe it’ll enhance my karate skills!

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