Professor Ueshiba eventually gave his studies the name, aikido, the Way (do) of harmony/love (ai) with ki. He espoused the oneness with the universe, bringing people together with love through aikido rather than leading them to destruction. Also known as the art of non confrontation, why in many areas has aikido throughout the world become so fragmented?
It is inevitable that once the source of an art passes his teachings on to others, then that art become diluted and takes on the mantle and thought processes of the next teacher and so on ad infinitum. This is a natural process and, as long as the foundations and fundamental beliefs of aikido are maintained, is also a healthy way to develop the art.
I have heard from many aikido people throughout the world who claim to teach and practise the art the way that Ueshiba Sensei taught it. My question to you is this; "At what point in O-Sensei's life does your aikido belong?" Many people staunchly and rigidly adhere to a particular perceived 'style' of aiki but perhaps do not realise that for their aikido to progress it needs to naturally evolve. It is possible to remain true to your particular style of aikido, be it Yoshinkan, Shin Shin Toitsu, Iwama ryu etc and still be responsible for its natural evolution. Everything needs to flow naturally, continuously, like a fast flowing stream. It can never be allowed to stand still and stagnate.
Leading a school or organisation that has a major influence over many students brings with it huge responsibility. You are in a position of trust which should never be abused. Unfortunately some teachers allow this to go to their head.
During my aikido life, since 1980, I have walked away from two national aikido organisations, not due to artistic differences, but because persons in positions of influence, supposedly claiming to live and practise by the higher ideals of aikido, were building personal fiefdoms from which to exert unhealthy influence over others, including the vulnerable. Sometimes these people receive fawning adulation and subservience from their subjects, often without question, giving them tremendous influence over students' lives both on and off the mat.
In the past I have been asked, and will continue to be asked, by students, if they can attend courses organised by othere aikido associations. I will always grant permission and see it purely as a courtesy request by the students. We should expose ourselves to aikido teachings from everywhere; some we will relate to and assimilate, others we will choose not to follow. However, we should all feel invigorated and thankful for the chance to share aikido with others. I have never understood a club's stance in barring students from attending a seminar just because it is being organised by a different group. If you are that insecure about your own ability that you seek to exert absolute control over your students, then you have no place in aikido.
As the famous quotation by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902) goes:
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
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