Being skilled in Aikido or any other “path practice” does not mean that you are also skilled in every aspect of your daily life. The sad truth is that the development you gain in the dojo does not automatically translate into the world. In order to take your Aikido from the dojo to the world, you need more. You must create “bridging practices” that will help you with the important practice of integration. In this blog post, I’m going to teach you 3 Key Bridging Practices For Aikido that will effectively help you take your Aikido from the dojo to the world.
This post is from a “Facebook Live” broadcast I made back in January 2018. It was part of a 4-part series on “Aikido And Teaching” (see part 1 on “How To Choose An Aikido Teacher” here). In this 2nd video, I focused on what it means to take your Aikido practice from the mat, and into the world.
Here Are Some Points Covered In the Talk:
- The reason progress in the dojo does not necessarily translate to the world
- The rule of “techniques divide, principles unite”
- Universal principles mean they are applicable at all times, in all places, and through all circumstances
- Principles trigger transformation, not techniques
- A principles-based approach to Aikido will transform the self, it will transform relationships, and it will transform the world
What is a “Bridging Practice”?
Last year The Integral Dojo produced the first of its kind “Aikido At The Leading Edge Masterclass” with 12 “master” teachers from the Aikido world. One of those teachers was Mark Walsh, who is an Embodiment coach and trainer. Mark who introduced the idea of “bridging practices” to me and I have been effectively using this wonderful concept with my students ever since.
A ‘bridging practice” is any practice that creates integration by acting as a “bridge” that connects your “practice space”, to your “daily life” space. So taking your Aikido practice from the dojo to the world, and into your daily life requires you to add “bridging practices” to your training routine.
In the below talk, I teach the following “3 Bridging Practices” that effectively serve this purpose. As “principles-based” practices, these 3 practices that are universal in their nature. In other words, they can be practiced at all times, in all places, and in every circumstance.
3 Key Bridging Practices For Aikido (Plus 1 Bonus)
- Practice #1: “From Stress To Center”
- Practice #2: “From Center To Connection”
- Practice #3: “Reflection Practice” (in self, with others, and in the world)
- Bonus Practice: “The Aikido Sandwich”
Having “bridging practices” for your Aikido is the difference between Aikido as a life practice and Aikido as a simple hobby.
If Aikido is going to have a bigger impact in the world (as I believe it should) then it has to happen through you, through me, and through the greater Aikido community.
You need to learn to take your Aikido practice from the dojo to the world. This means consciously taking on bridging practices. These 3 key bridging practices for Aikido are simple ways that you can do that.
The Last thing the world needs is another Aikido teacher. The last thing that world needs is another Aikido student. What the world needs are men and women who are dedicated to a higher Path of AIKI.
Question: What are your bridging practices for taking your Aikido practice from the dojo to the world? Join the conversation and leave your thoughts below!
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.