Definition of martial (from Webster's Dictionary): of, relating to, or suited for war or a warrior
We propose that the purpose of a martial art is to resolve conflict in our favor.
As with many eastern martial arts, we believe that the mind, body, and spirit need to be in balance for optimal performance in martial arts and in life. This is represented by the triangle above. So although we focus on the fighting aspects, you need balance at all times. This is especially important since you do not always know when you will need your skills or in what form.
Noncompliant--Example: Someone comes up to you, pulls a knife, and asks for your wallet. You say 'no.'
Combative--Example: Someone comes up to you, pulls a knife, and asks for your wallet. You try to hurt them/disarm them.
Fatal--Example: Someone comes up to you, pulls a knife, and asks for your wallet. You kill them.
Obviously, these are not wholly independent. Action at one level may cause the level of conflict to rise (for instance, being noncompliant may cause the robber to become combative) or fall.
Of course, we'd like to end any conflict without resorting to violence, but we would also like to end the conflict in our favor. We train to handle all 4 levels, but we are mentally prepared at the 4th level in any conflict. This does not mean that our first thought is to kill. We do not start at level 1 and work our way up. We do not say, "Oh, I'll try compliant first to see if that works," and then die because our attacker was at the 4th level all along. We assess the situation with a 4th level point of view and respond at the appropriate level. THIS NEEDS MUCH MORE EXPLANATION AND I WILL GET BACK TO THIS AT A LATER TIME.
Force & Direction
Psychological
These 3 things need to be fully understood. You need to know instinctively not only your effective range and the effective range of your weapons in every direction around your body, but also your opponents. You need to understand how your range is affected by injury, fatigue, etc.
Force & Direction, the forte of Aikido. I don't think it needs much explanation at this time.
Why do people kiai? One reason is the psychological effect on your opponent. When does a conflict start and when can you get an advantage? As soon as you are aware of your opponent (maybe before, depending on how you carry yourself in general). Your demeanor can put them off-guard or on-guard, can make them hesitate or feel in control. But you must judge the best approach instantly.
Method of fighting (for the beginners, again)
We do not allow blocks and very little redirection at the beginner level. We do not spend time defending attacks. If someone attacks first, our attack provides all the defense we need. Dux likes to use the generic term triangulation, but it is much more than that (I'll put up some pictures to demonstrate soon). Our fighting techniques are very mobile and offensive. We expect the students to read their opponents and be able to tell in what ways he can and cannot attack effectively, what ways he can and cannot move quickly, and plan their fight accordingly. This applies to standing and ground fighting (as well as armies, business, etc.).
The majority of the standing techniques are punch/kick type, with an occasional joint manipulation thrown in. At higher levels we incorporate more throws, locks and bone breaks.
We teach ground fighting, and we've "borrowed" a lot from the Gracies and other systems. This next statement will probably get me a lot of flames, but here goes. My personal belief (and others in our system disagree with me) is that you should avoid the ground if possible and if you've gone to the ground against your will, you made a mistake somewhere. Of course there are instances when you would want to go to the ground (more on this later). Negatives are: on the ground you are more vulnerable to weapons; you are especially vulnerable to your opponents friends; you cannot escape if you are losing; etc.
Email: drsensei@yahoo.com