About the Importance of the Mind

合氣道光氣会 Aikido Kokikai Japan News 

2020-11-11 

Shudō Maruyama, Founder and President 

About the Importance of the Mind (心の大切さ kokoro no taisetsusa) 

Sensei often has big Americans push his body. He just stands there without moving. Then, he can throw them back in the direction they were pushing from. Sensei weighs 58 kg. Dave weighs 88 kg, Jason 90 kg, and Glenn 130 kg. 

When they try to throw each other, they cannot do it. Sensei can, because he does it with his mind and body in their most correct state. The point is that Sensei’s quality is different. 

When you look at gold from a little distance, gold plating, 10 carat, 14 carat, 18 carat, and pure gold all look the same. Technique also looks the same, but when viewed from the perspective of quality, there are big differences. 

Even at school, there is not such a big difference in children’s abilities, but there are kids who can and kids who cannot succeed academically. Their frame of mind has a big influence on this. When they not only face the teacher but also turn their minds toward the teacher and concentrate, they can deepen their understanding. As the saying goes, “Study well, play well.” Switch the mind:  when studying, focus on studying, and when playing, focus on playing.  

In Kokikai Aikido, we teach that by extending the mind out in front, the body becomes strong. When the mind goes sideways or in some other direction, the body becomes weak. To a spectator it may look the same, but through varied practices we improve our quality. 

I gained long years of experience in the USA, throwing and sending many people flying. That is not to say that Sensei is strong and everyone else is weak. I always say, “If I can do it, you can do it.” 

Please use Sensei as your reference. Think that you too can do it, and access your true power. And then I hope you will apply that power to your own particular field, find success, and lead a fulfilling life. 

(translated by Barbara Litt, with assistance from Dave Nachman and Steve Syrek)