Gradings are an opportunity to show our understanding of Aikido exercises, and our sensitivity towards our partner, regardless of age.
When we’re young, each birthday brings a surge of anticipation: the excitement, the butterflies, and that moment in the spotlight. The day comes, and we revel in the attention (and the presents), wishing it could go on forever.
As we age, the counting quietens. Birthdays become gentle reminders, noted by the people who gather around us to celebrate. It’s a wonderful thing – shared joy, presence, and a chance to reflect.
Sometimes, though, birthdays don’t go quite to plan – sugar highs lead to crashes, someone bursts into tears, somebody refuses to pass the parcel. Gradings can go awry, too. Preparation only goes so far towards the challenge of standing alone on the mat. Sometimes nerves crumble, or an unexpected event leaves us off-kilter. But sometimes, wonderfully, it all just comes together.
Sensei O’Connell recently said that ki testing is a privilege as it involves direct contact with your partner’s mind. How much greater a privilege, then, is uke-ing for someone in a grading – following their mind whever it leads?
He also said that we should be extremely respectful of the mind in front of us, because sometimes minds can be fragile. How much greater a privilege, then, to partner with a mind under the pressure of a grading? Whether that mind settles as we hope and extends skilfully, or it wobbles and struggles.
All of which is prologue to two gradings that I saw at last weekend’s Autumn Seminar.
I was listed to uke for Charles Manson’s 3rd dan test. If you don’t know him, you might recognise him by his smile – it arrives a couple of seconds before he does. He is senior enough to be tested on a reduced grading syllabus – just 6 arts of Aikido for such gradings, rather than 15.
On Saturday his smile barely left room for anyone else on the mat. I couldn’t attack him without joining his joyful feeling. And the effect was monumental. All I was aware of was a beaming smile and a nimble One Point. The rest was either air or mat – flying or crashing.
I was both energised by his feeling and physically shocked by the power that it brought. This smiling gentleman never put me on the mat; I always had to dig myself back out from several feet under. It quickly became clear that the reduced syllabus was for my benefit, not his.
Kyu gradings took place on the Sunday, and among them an amazing brown belt test. Morgan Hobson, who is twenty-two, was partnered up with Tim Unsworth who is in his seventies – almost 50 years apart. And with all due respect to both involved, I had some preconceptions about how that might go …
Instead, I witnessed a partnership that unfolded with patience, respect, and power.
Morgan, full of agility and energy, needed to demonstrate his skill in the required exercises. He wanted to move fast and dynamically; he wanted to throw powerfully and accurately. That required a uke who could meet those demands. And Tim was that uke. He moved with a commitment and fluidity that might inspire us all, whatever stage of life we’re in. Not once did he use a hand or knee to help himself back up; instead, he relied entirely on the momentum of the ki. He never lagged, never fell behind Morgan’s lead. He stayed with him throughout, allowing Morgan to throw him with full power and confidence.
Life teaches us how and where to place our effort – when to go all-in and when to hold back a bit. Tim took his time in between throws in order to recover his breath fully so that he could give 100 percent again. His ukemi stayed committed and powerful and fast for the duration, without tapering off. And when he was nage, Tim moved with clarity and grace, requiring Morgan to sprint and roll around him without pause.
Throughout the grading, both partners were sensitive and committed to the other’s need for energy or rest. The result was a brilliant demonstration of what’s at the heart of our Aikido – working with the individual in front of you. By being your best, you can enable them to do their best. By doing their best, they invite you to be your best.
How appropriate then, that this weekend we also celebrated the 25th year of the headquarters dojo, as it meant plenty of cake was available. Congratulations should go to all the grading participants for their efforts. I came away inspired and delighted by the demonstrations of Charles, Tim, and Morgan. They all demonstrated what’s possible when people of every age focus on doing their best, enjoying life and helping others to do so as well.
We’ve all heard that Aikido is for everyone, with age presenting no barrier. But I’d go one further and say that older age can allow the mind to shine forth. It’s certainly what I hope for in my Aikido, and I am delighted to learn it from older members of the federation.
A final word of caution: if they smile, be extra careful!
James Knight
Lochaber Aikido Club