Every so often, a “rough and tumble” Aikido demonstration video pops up on social media, usually followed by the adulation of those who apparently consider such demonstrations as “proof” of either the martial ability of the individual demonstrating, or of the martial viability of the style being demonstrated.
Let’s consider . . .
In martial sports, participants are expected to do their best to “win” while abiding by a set of previously agreed upon rules. There is usually at least one referee present to enforce the rules and proclaim a winner. While this isn’t actual fighting, it is an actual competition.
An Aikido demonstration is a completely different thing. It isn’t combat or competition. Demonstration participants assume predetermined rolls. One or more individuals volunteer a prescribed* attack, which is executed with the intent of allowing the demonstrator to execute a prescribed* response. The “attacker” is also expected to respond in a prescribed* manner, thereby allowing the demonstrator to best execute a prescribed* response.
Sometimes such displays are derided as being “cooperative.” Such criticism belies the same underlying naïveté present in those that hold these displays as proof of martial ability. In other words, to state that the demonstration is “cooperative” is to state the obvious. It is a demonstration, not a competition, much less a fight. There will be no winner declared, and law enforcement will not be called to restore the peace. As it is a demonstration and not a competition, there is no need for a referee to be present to enforce the rules or declare a winner. Criticizing such performances as “cooperative” is as silly as adulating the performers in an action movie, TV or play for their “martial prowess.”
Aikido demonstrations usually serve the purpose of illustrating what the art “looks like” to the public, or as a means of sharing what one has been working on. It is a “performance” akin to a piano recital. As such, it is often similarly “performed” before one’s peers. To carry the analogy a bit further, a demonstrator might choose a particularly challenging piece to perform. But the piece being performed isn’t actively attempting to attack or thwart the performer.
One can keep in mind what is being observed before making assumptions or assertions.
In the case of an Aikido demonstration, one individual is demonstrating a set of practiced techniques with the aid of another individual demonstrating practiced set-ups (“attacks”) and receptions.
In the case of martial sports competition, both individuals use practiced skills to try to “win” in the context of a predetermined set of rules.
In the case of an attack (there may, or may not, even be a fight), one or more individuals may use all and any means available to subjugate another or others. In such cases, “rules of combat” are often negligible.
These are three different things.
There are times when a demonstrator becomes self-deluded and begins to mistake their performance for reality. This is indeed unfortunate, but perhaps not as unfortunate as those that allow themselves to be abused to maintain another’s delusions of grandeur. Such is the nature of codependency.
*authorized to be carried out.
Coming up: Triangles, Circles, and Squares . . . beyond symbolism!
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