Saturday, June 13, 2009

The Five Steps of Matrix Aikido

By Al Case

I encountered much opposition when putting together Matrix Aikido. People claimed I was being disrespectful to the founder of Aikido and to Aikidoists everywhere. The truth is that I am paying the greatest respect to Aikido, and people understand this when they see the five steps necessary to Matrix Aikido.

In learning Matrix Aikido the first step is that you must not resist your opponent. This classical concept proves that my methodology does not deviate from classical concepts. When the attacker comes in, you must not resist, you must not resist, you must go with, and if you do this then he will not be able to resist your entering his technique.

The concept of not resisting has a second part, and it is to not resist yourself. This concept, interestingly enough, does not have to be explained to a student. When a person stops resisting an opponent he stops resisting himself as part of the procedure.

In learning Matrix Aikido the second concept is that you must learn to mirror your attacker's moves. This means that if he steps forward with the specific foot and punches with a specific hand, you should step forward with a specific foot and a specific hand and make your technique work by blending with him. What is absolutely fascinating is that it doesn't matter which foot or hand is presented, or which you respond with,, mirroring can be made to work easily.

The third concept in Matrix Aikido evolves naturally from the second, and it is learning how to take charge. By not resisting one can perceive, by perceiving, one can mirror, and by mirroring, one can take charge of the action. This is a crucial step in Matrix Aikido, as it involves very real changes to the student's psyche.

To become your opponent is the fourth concept if you wish to learn Matrix Aikido. When you do not resist the technique you do not resist the person. Learning to love your enemies is a cornerstone of Aikido and a very spiritual level.

To actually become Aikido is the fifth concept if you wish to learn Matrix Aikido. As you understand how not to resist, and thus how to blend and merge with an opponent, you learn how to not resist the art itself. This is a very special universe which is beyond the perception of normal human beings, yet it is a realm to which all mankind should aspire.

In conclusion, this universe is built upon strife, conflict, and the never ending contention between mankind. Yet, it does not have to be this way. The True Way, whether through the decades it takes to learn Classical Aikido, or the months it takes to learn Matrix Aikido, is open to the man or woman who opens their heart to this very special reality.

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