Category: Marcus Encel

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Marcus Encel Pure Aikido

The balance of Spirituality and practical skills in a Pure Aikido class

In our basic training we focus on how to apply basic Aikido in real world scenarios and environments. That is not to say we are not interested in the spiritual dimension of Aikido, we are. It just means that the insights of Aikido are gained from expertise in martial art application. Character is built on the border between life and death. It has been said that “the way of the samurai is death”. That is not a depressing negative implication it is just an understanding and familiarity with the nature of combat and our ultimate demise.

Pure aikido training

At Pure Aikido spiritual training is focused by real self defence skill. Ki training is an extension of that. Real combat knowledge makes sure we don’t float off to some ki netherworld that has no basis in reality. All O’sensei’s amazing ability came from being an exert in applying his Budo. His Ki training was based on that and the teachings of Omoto. Seemingly magical things become logical when you know how to do them.

Pure aikido training

The higher levels of Aikido, like being able to diffuse killing intention and turn it around or diffusing killing intention and transforming it into something positive are derived from these skills. The more esoteric aspects of Aikido are also. The message is train basics well. Be nurturing to your training partners especially those less able than you, and learn to fight so that turning the other cheek is not fear but an expression of ability and confidence and also an understanding of consequence and what combat really means in its extremes.

Training is fun and positive but also serious.

By Marcus Encel

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Marcus Encel

Training recommendations

Morihei Ueshiba said, “Training is not real because nobody dies or is injured.”

As it should be, Personal power resides in being true to promises you make to yourself. Morihei Ueshiba exemplified this sincerity of purpose in his life and training. If you want to be like him, it’s not going to fall from the sky by a wish, or be bestowed by copying his beard. You will have to expend the same amount of energy, sincerity, hard work, both physical and mental, the same austerities, the same singularity of purpose, the same integrity..

Lasting success only comes to those who know how to persist.Nature does not understand resting on laurels, such as certificates, belts, name droppings (what lineage you think you may come from) and the like. Once you cease training, you start to downslide.
Your only true and real qualification is to be found in the barometer of practice. This varies from day to day in a cyclic manner, but persistence does add to a gradual ascension.

“This old man must keep improving and training..” said Morihei Ueshiba when caught training on his last day on earth.

Unfortunately, too many people believe that life should be a movie, where instant gratification is possible after waxing on and waxing off in about three five second clip edits. Not in this galaxy folks. And probably not in any other.Lest we forget, Aikido is Budo! Nothing less. Only the major purpose is the winning the battle within oneself, Masagatsu Agatsu Katsu Hayabi, a far more meaningful and consequential enterprise than accumulating debt and death in the killing fields of futility. Matter, by its very nature is subject to entropy. If energy does not act upon it, decay then sets in and random particles return to original substance as happens to organic bodies after they die.

Most humans don’t know how to directly affect or modify sub-atomic source particles. Or their products such as atoms, molecules etc. However, we can evoke change by the use of mind and will to generate purposeful, skilled activity on a regular basis. The nature of the universe and natural evolution being as it is, this will bring about transformation.The average person knows but a fraction of themselves. The yogi, meditator and Aikidoka has within their grasp, the tools to become cognizant of, and also to activate a considerable part of themselves which would otherwise remain dormant and unconscious.
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Marcus Encel

End of Year 2010

It’s close to the end of the year and I am thinking about what has been accomplished at the dojo this year. It’s been great with some fantastic new students. We have allot of depth in the club now and I have been able to do allot of advanced training. The beginners are blessed with many experienced practitioners who are very generous with their time and knowledge. This has enabled our newcomers to develop fast.

In the last six months I have focused my instruction on technical excellence. There are many pitfalls for the long term student to fall into and resting on ones achievements is at the top of the list. Incorrect technique can become a great hindrance to one’s practice.  This is made worse when a student can achieve results with bad technique so in their mind it becomes good technique. This is proven to them by the fact that they can get away with it in practice. This is erroneous thinking. Two of the things that separate Aikido from other martial arts are the use of the “path of least resistance” and “constant improvement”, both of these require good technical ability.

 

2010 weekend retreat

Excellence in basic technique is evidenced in self defense when an Aikido-ka is injured and technical ability sees them through, their defense remains solid. It is also evident in their ability to change strategy in an encounter, to also adapt and make the necessary adjustments in a difficult situation.

In those circumstances when one faces someone larger stronger and faster technique is vital. On the mat everyday training should be a learning experience and constantly striving to better ones technical ability and mindset. This is a cornerstone of our practice. Part of Aikido is aesthetic and good technique is beautiful to behold and the same time is effective. Good technique is nothing less than the most economical method of using ones movement and energy and is the epitome of effectiveness.

The annual awards look at the qualities we admire and reward those that typify this spirit.

Thanks too all our students for making it such a great year.

Marcus Encel

 

2010 weekend retreat