Читать книгу Advanced Aikido онлайн

70 страница из 79

Many would say that you can tell an advanced student by the way he or she stands, bows, and pays respect to others. Correct posture, discipline, and the respect of lowering one's head communicate a correct attitude.

A dueling scene in Akira Kurosawa's 1954 film classic, Seven Samurai, illustrates this point. Simply by watching the calmness, stillness, and proper alignment and posture of a character in the on-guard position, it is obvious who will and does win.

Eventually, with consistent and persistent training, the student of aikido stands relaxed and erect with the spine straight and eyes forward. When bowing from a standing position, slowly lower your upper body by bending gently at the waist. Your hands should remain at your side.

When moving, glide with a natural step moving from your center.

When seated in seiza (kneeling), your spine should be aligned, your body relaxed, your knees placed relatively close together, and your hands placed on your knees or in your lap. When bowing from seiza, slowly sweep your left palm down to the center of the mat in front of you. Follow that by sweeping your right hand around, joining your left in a triangle. As you slowly bow forward, place your elbows on the mat and your forehead on your hands. Try not to raise your buttock as you bow. Return to the upright kneeling position only after your bow has been completed.