Dojo Talk - How and Why We Train
8/26/2022
Hi everyone,
I would like to start a series of email "newsletter" where I share some important aspects of our practice. These would be my personal views on what we practice at the dojo so you can understand why I do things the way I do. Some topics here are ones I just don't have enough time to talk about on the mat. Usually, I talk about these things after class over drinks and food :) Please feel free to reply and discuss, agree or disagree, have fun. Also, I am not a professional writer, so please excuse any and many mistakes.
1. Beginner's mind. When we start to learn and get better at something, we tend to say we have learned it or that we know it. Please keep an empty cup so you can always put more knowledge into it. When we label a skill as "this is what it is" or "it's just this", then we have stopped learning. Actually, we have stopped ourselves from developing this skill further because we have so firmly labeled it. Therefore, recognize you've improved, but give yourself the space in your mind and body to grow. Don't box up ideas, let them develop.
2. In our art, I would often say "it's all about you/yourself" or "don't think about your partner, worry about yourself". This art is full of contradictory aspects but the learning is for you to reconcile them mentally and physically. Is it a selfish art? Ultimately no. At first, I ask new people to focus on themselves so that: 1. They can develop basic coordination of moving their body 2. Stops them from developing bad habits of using force or muscling a technique, or trying to manipulate another person. Working on (understanding) yourself is one of the first goals. After a few years, people may tend to be selfish in only trying to develop themselves in either techniques or rank. To move beyond this point, they should look into how connections within themselves can create connections with their partners but not a manipulative relationship. For me, progress in this art requires the shedding away of unnecessary layers (like peeling an onion), not the accumulation of layers.
That's it for today. The best part about practice is taking philosophical topics and expressing them physically. It's not empty talk. Next time, we will get into techniques as a training tool, not the end goal, and other hopefully interesting topics.
Hope to see you on the mat soon!
Thanks,
Hung
Hi everyone,
I would like to start a series of email "newsletter" where I share some important aspects of our practice. These would be my personal views on what we practice at the dojo so you can understand why I do things the way I do. Some topics here are ones I just don't have enough time to talk about on the mat. Usually, I talk about these things after class over drinks and food :) Please feel free to reply and discuss, agree or disagree, have fun. Also, I am not a professional writer, so please excuse any and many mistakes.
1. Beginner's mind. When we start to learn and get better at something, we tend to say we have learned it or that we know it. Please keep an empty cup so you can always put more knowledge into it. When we label a skill as "this is what it is" or "it's just this", then we have stopped learning. Actually, we have stopped ourselves from developing this skill further because we have so firmly labeled it. Therefore, recognize you've improved, but give yourself the space in your mind and body to grow. Don't box up ideas, let them develop.
2. In our art, I would often say "it's all about you/yourself" or "don't think about your partner, worry about yourself". This art is full of contradictory aspects but the learning is for you to reconcile them mentally and physically. Is it a selfish art? Ultimately no. At first, I ask new people to focus on themselves so that: 1. They can develop basic coordination of moving their body 2. Stops them from developing bad habits of using force or muscling a technique, or trying to manipulate another person. Working on (understanding) yourself is one of the first goals. After a few years, people may tend to be selfish in only trying to develop themselves in either techniques or rank. To move beyond this point, they should look into how connections within themselves can create connections with their partners but not a manipulative relationship. For me, progress in this art requires the shedding away of unnecessary layers (like peeling an onion), not the accumulation of layers.
That's it for today. The best part about practice is taking philosophical topics and expressing them physically. It's not empty talk. Next time, we will get into techniques as a training tool, not the end goal, and other hopefully interesting topics.
Hope to see you on the mat soon!
Thanks,
Hung
8/30/2022
Hello,
Back for round 2. I will try to keep these short. These are again my personal views of our training in our dojo. You may observe a circularity in the concepts we have mentioned before and these ideas. In expressing these views, I am only sharing my current understanding of the art. It is not to be set in stone.
A. Techniques are only tools to train the foundational aspects of the art. Please do not train for the techniques. Certain techniques are easier for certain people depending on their level of training. The mastery of a single technique can take a lifetime because you are mastering yourself through the principles of the art. If you treat the techniques as a way to control or manipulate your partner, then you will be consumed by the desire to control another. The true purpose of these techniques is learning to control yourself when in a stressful or unpleasant, or pleasant situation. They are a way to learn about yourself. Do not get consumed by the techniques.
B. Each grab is a new grab. Ukemi, the art of receiving, is an ever growing study with many topics to cover. When you are the "attacker", please try to mentally treat each grab or attack as a completely new experience. This is your first grab. This is your first attack. You don't know what will happen. This allows you to minimize the chance of anticipation, increasing tension in the body and mind. Each grab is unique through your spirit, so you can practice letting go of preconceptions, expectations, and this will allow you to get closer to feeling the encounter with your partner in the truest sense possible. If you treat your practice this way, everything is new and exciting and a learning opportunity. Likewise, every technique is unique...
C. No one is special, everyone is special. You get good at what you do. A person becomes proficient if they do something a thousand, ten thousand or more times. Talent is good, but talent cannot replace hard work. Everyone is capable of practicing Aikido and Daito Ryu. The only limit is how much work you are willing to put in. I would much rather spend my time teaching a hard working and consistent student than a talented one that doesn't put in the work or already knows it all. Therefore, I sometimes say in jest that no one is special, but everyone is special. You are already special, just continue putting in the work. You already have everything that it takes to become what you want yourself to become, just put in the work. Don't compare yourself to others because the one that I am looking at is you. You will get out what you put in.
I don't know it all. I am still learning and I hope I will continue to learn with all of you. See you on the mat and in the next newsletter.
Sincerely,
Hello,
Back for round 2. I will try to keep these short. These are again my personal views of our training in our dojo. You may observe a circularity in the concepts we have mentioned before and these ideas. In expressing these views, I am only sharing my current understanding of the art. It is not to be set in stone.
A. Techniques are only tools to train the foundational aspects of the art. Please do not train for the techniques. Certain techniques are easier for certain people depending on their level of training. The mastery of a single technique can take a lifetime because you are mastering yourself through the principles of the art. If you treat the techniques as a way to control or manipulate your partner, then you will be consumed by the desire to control another. The true purpose of these techniques is learning to control yourself when in a stressful or unpleasant, or pleasant situation. They are a way to learn about yourself. Do not get consumed by the techniques.
B. Each grab is a new grab. Ukemi, the art of receiving, is an ever growing study with many topics to cover. When you are the "attacker", please try to mentally treat each grab or attack as a completely new experience. This is your first grab. This is your first attack. You don't know what will happen. This allows you to minimize the chance of anticipation, increasing tension in the body and mind. Each grab is unique through your spirit, so you can practice letting go of preconceptions, expectations, and this will allow you to get closer to feeling the encounter with your partner in the truest sense possible. If you treat your practice this way, everything is new and exciting and a learning opportunity. Likewise, every technique is unique...
C. No one is special, everyone is special. You get good at what you do. A person becomes proficient if they do something a thousand, ten thousand or more times. Talent is good, but talent cannot replace hard work. Everyone is capable of practicing Aikido and Daito Ryu. The only limit is how much work you are willing to put in. I would much rather spend my time teaching a hard working and consistent student than a talented one that doesn't put in the work or already knows it all. Therefore, I sometimes say in jest that no one is special, but everyone is special. You are already special, just continue putting in the work. You already have everything that it takes to become what you want yourself to become, just put in the work. Don't compare yourself to others because the one that I am looking at is you. You will get out what you put in.
I don't know it all. I am still learning and I hope I will continue to learn with all of you. See you on the mat and in the next newsletter.
Sincerely,
09/06/2022
Hi all,
1. The dojo. Stepping foot into the dojo means you have left the normal day to day world behind, or at least that's the goal anyway. It's difficult to completely detach ourselves from thinking about stress from work or other worries. However, the process of driving to the dojo, taking off your work clothes and donning the white gi/uniform, then clapping and bowing in is symbolic of leaving the rest of the world behind. Here on the mat is your chance each week to focus on yourself and an art form completely different from anything else. It is a chance to reset. It is a precious moment that you have dedicated to each week, so enjoy its uniqueness.
2. Cleaning the dojo. Setting up the mats and cleaning the dojo at the end of class are ways to practice giving. You are doing something that not only is of benefit to you, but to others as well. It is being thankful for having a place to train as well as appreciating your practice partners. It is a prayer of thanks.
3. The dojo and daily life. A lot of books and people often talk about Aikido in your daily life. I would recommend that you keep in separate compartments your Aikido training and your lessons from daily life. Don't try to apply them onto each other forcefully. What you do in one will undoubtedly affect the other, just observe the results. The teacher is not the guru. Let your own training and effort guide you.
Sincerely,
Hi all,
1. The dojo. Stepping foot into the dojo means you have left the normal day to day world behind, or at least that's the goal anyway. It's difficult to completely detach ourselves from thinking about stress from work or other worries. However, the process of driving to the dojo, taking off your work clothes and donning the white gi/uniform, then clapping and bowing in is symbolic of leaving the rest of the world behind. Here on the mat is your chance each week to focus on yourself and an art form completely different from anything else. It is a chance to reset. It is a precious moment that you have dedicated to each week, so enjoy its uniqueness.
2. Cleaning the dojo. Setting up the mats and cleaning the dojo at the end of class are ways to practice giving. You are doing something that not only is of benefit to you, but to others as well. It is being thankful for having a place to train as well as appreciating your practice partners. It is a prayer of thanks.
3. The dojo and daily life. A lot of books and people often talk about Aikido in your daily life. I would recommend that you keep in separate compartments your Aikido training and your lessons from daily life. Don't try to apply them onto each other forcefully. What you do in one will undoubtedly affect the other, just observe the results. The teacher is not the guru. Let your own training and effort guide you.
Sincerely,
10/06/2022
Hi everyone,
My apologies for inundating your mailbox lately. It has been about one month since we have had these discussion topic emails. Please understand these emails discuss topics that are usually cast aside in today's modern society or regarded as useless or antiquated by others. However, I find these topics interesting and relevant for martial artists. Today, I would like to share with you about kokoro 心 - the Japanese word for heart.
Kokoro 心 - If you look this up the meaning of kokoro, it is often described as the heart, mind, core, or essence. Can you show heart in everything you do? It is a daunting task and one that will never ceases since there are countless pursuits in life. It is more rewarding growth-wise if you are able to approach our martial arts training with heart - no strings attached - no baggage. What does that even mean? You will have to answer that for yourself. Kokoro is not a quality to own, but a quality of living to work toward endlessly. It is a reflection of the purity of your heart and action. How you speak to people, treat people, touch people, or how you treat yourself is kokoro. Be kind to yourself. Our art is about the peeling away of layers or excess, the polishing of oneself. Showing your heart, passion, and being is a strength, but it is not an easy path. We can deceive ourselves and our actions become one of manipulation, power, and control. Kokoro is a quality of living true to your passion and ideals. There is no give and take, no expectations, no manipulation. It is how you express your being. The techniques in Aikido and Daito Ryu are there to polish the practitioner and allows them to give up desires, fears. Through training, one strives to be vulnerable and be true to yourself and true to others. Power comes from your spirit, not techniques.
Enjoy your day and I hope to see you on the mat soon.
Sincerely,
Hi everyone,
My apologies for inundating your mailbox lately. It has been about one month since we have had these discussion topic emails. Please understand these emails discuss topics that are usually cast aside in today's modern society or regarded as useless or antiquated by others. However, I find these topics interesting and relevant for martial artists. Today, I would like to share with you about kokoro 心 - the Japanese word for heart.
Kokoro 心 - If you look this up the meaning of kokoro, it is often described as the heart, mind, core, or essence. Can you show heart in everything you do? It is a daunting task and one that will never ceases since there are countless pursuits in life. It is more rewarding growth-wise if you are able to approach our martial arts training with heart - no strings attached - no baggage. What does that even mean? You will have to answer that for yourself. Kokoro is not a quality to own, but a quality of living to work toward endlessly. It is a reflection of the purity of your heart and action. How you speak to people, treat people, touch people, or how you treat yourself is kokoro. Be kind to yourself. Our art is about the peeling away of layers or excess, the polishing of oneself. Showing your heart, passion, and being is a strength, but it is not an easy path. We can deceive ourselves and our actions become one of manipulation, power, and control. Kokoro is a quality of living true to your passion and ideals. There is no give and take, no expectations, no manipulation. It is how you express your being. The techniques in Aikido and Daito Ryu are there to polish the practitioner and allows them to give up desires, fears. Through training, one strives to be vulnerable and be true to yourself and true to others. Power comes from your spirit, not techniques.
Enjoy your day and I hope to see you on the mat soon.
Sincerely,
11/14/2022
Practice for health, joy, and well-being. It has taken me quite a long time to finally realize that I am not and have no interest in teaching you how to fight. I personally practice Aikido and Daito Ryu because the training is interesting and it allows me to continuously grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. These arts also provide me with progressively better health each year. I hope the training brings you joy, growth, and forever keeping your curiosity alive. There is too much stress, anger, and negativity in today's world. I hope the dojo is a possible place to drive your passion and deliver you happiness. Also, if it is not for you, I wish you luck in finding and pursuing your passion. Walk your path.
Practice for health, joy, and well-being. It has taken me quite a long time to finally realize that I am not and have no interest in teaching you how to fight. I personally practice Aikido and Daito Ryu because the training is interesting and it allows me to continuously grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. These arts also provide me with progressively better health each year. I hope the training brings you joy, growth, and forever keeping your curiosity alive. There is too much stress, anger, and negativity in today's world. I hope the dojo is a possible place to drive your passion and deliver you happiness. Also, if it is not for you, I wish you luck in finding and pursuing your passion. Walk your path.