The purpose of training [O-sensei] says, is to clear a path leading to a beautiful and pristine world.

In training we learn that we are weak and full of impurities. That is why we have to forge ourselves like “peerless blades.” Through constant, ceaseless forging, we drive out the impurities and become different, better human beings. This is not nonsense; it is the essence of Aikido.

Aikido is not Daito Ryu Jujitsu or any other martial art. Having studied many different martial arts, I can say that Aikido is not a composite of any other arts. It is something different, something special…. Aikido is much more than a martial art. It’s Budo. O-Sensei said…”Budo is a divine path established by the gods that leads to truth, goodness, and beauty.” On this view, the dojo is where you get enlightened, where you learn to see how the universe functions. There’s a sword-edge to Budo, but it’s the sword that gives life. So, in training, we want to be awake, alert, and on guard for the true, the good, and the beautiful. (John Stevens, Aikido Talks)

 

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