Magic in the Air
In his article Diamond, Willow, Water, (Air), Jeff Dooley at Glimmerscape makes some interesting observations about the different forms of training that exist within every Aikido technique.
These different forms aren’t formalised in the Phoenix Dojo (if they are, I’ve never heard them discussed in these terms), but they are nevertheless an integral part of the teaching. Although the styles are taught concurrently, the emphasis for lower grades is on the Diamond style of static holds; higher grades are expected to show more of the Willow and Water style as their skill and understanding of the techniques increases, especially in the gradings.
Jeff alludes to an even more esoteric style, which he refers to as Air. This seems to me to be what I have heard referred to by some of the very high grades as Aikido of the Mind
, where Tori influences Uke not with physical contact, but with suggestion and subtle guidance. This is so far beyond my current level of understanding as to seem like magic, though I don’t doubt it’s efficacy.
Unfortunately I suspect that, given my age (37) and current grade (Blue Belt – 2nd Kyu), this higher form of knowledge may take more years of practice than I have available to me. How often I wish I had discovered Aikido when I was much younger.