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A Path. The essence of our path is self-awareness. The ability to see ourselves clearly, with the least amount of film in between. Using paired and solo exercises and experiments, we can examine our true reactions to conflict, imagined or real, and can be tested. In music, the same series of notes can be played at different times, with different intent or changed emotional identity and the resulting “music” can sound totally different In acting, if one becomes the part, the resulting effect is strikingly different than “acting” the part. Of course, great skill at music, acting or martial arts, can simulate this understanding but still falls short of “being” the music. The practice of Aikido and other martial arts can have very different goals and results, even when they look very similar, if practiced with a different intention. This can be said even within a practice such as Soshu’s, if our intention is to overcome the “other”. No matter what our intellect says or how many times we recite good words or see them mounted on the wall, we must practice our method sincerely or the “words” become only that and the art becomes a “style”. Our practice is to use our time to see the results of our attempt at peaceful resolutions to conflict. Our propensity to meet conflict or resistance with more conflict and resistance is tested, “seen” and hopefully changed into positive ki. Most martial, spiritual and self-development trainings have the capacity to see this, however, Soshu has made this his point of training. This type of training is very difficult to maintain. We must constantly be aware of our reactions and improve them. Mostly this takes the form of daily life activities. Without integration in our normal daily life, the lessons learned on the mat will be only applicable in the dojo and somewhat shallow even there. This said, we are humans after all and will falter even with the best of intentions. For me, the training must be enjoyable and fun or I will wander. We can make even the most serious event more relaxed and fun without losing the goal and importance. Experiments for senior practitioner Kokyudosa with the strongest partner. If successful then add another uke behind uke to support. If successful then add another. This will show if ones technique is merely skillful or truly oneness. Any technique or ki test can be adapted this way. If there is any collision or attempt to overpower it will be very obvious. If there is no collision then the experiment will be successful no matter how many uke are added. When experiencing collision in a technique, relax the contact point and either walk forward or backward while maintaining connection to your partner. This will allow you to join the whole body (yours and theirs) and give you the feeling of oneness. Ki test in most inopportune times and positions. Ki testing tests both participants equally. While testing make sure you are one and if you have to insist then the other has passed (your) test.
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