I see sword techniques as the dark side of Aikido, they’re the very roots of every technique, every movement, and most importantly: every principle. But what I feel is that these roots have been polishing and adapting to new times to give Aikido a place. When I practice with Ken I connect with this dark side, the brutality of the hit with the softness of the cut, a wound so sharp that is imperceptible. I feel part of those warriors who used them in battle.This happened to me more intensively in yesterday’s class practicing Ki Musubi No Tachi, where I could understand the difference between the 6th Ken Awaze and Ki Musubi No Tachi; that was something I was waiting for, a question I needed to answer: Why do they both exist if they are so similar? The answer is that they aren’t alike at all. Even if they have common movements, the aim each of them seeks is totally different.
I want to add a comment about something that’s been happening to me since I started my Aikido practice, back in 2004 (if my mind isn’t playing tricks on me): every time I have a doubt about a technique or the practice, the sensei makes reference to it in some class. This always happens; that taught me to wait for the answer rather than go and get it, and that makes me feel very “awaze” with the dojo and the sensei.
Domo arigato gozaimasu
Juan Pablo Fava
