Learning humility - by Hervé Leung

Written and translated from the French

by Hervé Leung

November 2010

In this article regarding my Aikido training at the Jiseikan Dojo (Ottawa), I could discuss many things that come to mind.  I could present the techniques acquired during the past year, or comment on the progression of my rolls on the floor, or list all the things that I really enjoyed and those that were less enjoyable. 

 

After writing out on paper all the possibilities, I thought it best not to deviate from the subject and choose something that was more significant and meaningful to me.  I will speak about learning how to be humble and will use my activities in Aikido as examples. 

A few years ago, prior to my initiation to Aïkido, if someone had suggested that I purchase a sword, I would have initially said how useless and dangerous this was.  I would have made allusion to the fact that we are no longer in the period of knighthood, a time when sword were a must for survival.  Okay, I must admit, as a pacifist and supporter of non-violence, more than likely I would have made a comment that this was encouraging violence!  So there, I confess my prejudices against sword, and worst, against those handling them! 

 

 

 

However, my perception for this activity has somewhat changed after starting my Aikido training, particularly after spending many months observing the advanced students during their sword training sessions.  Throughout these training sessions and demonstrations, I was always impressed by the fluidity and precision of their movements, but mostly fascinated by their calmness and concentration, as if they were almost meditating.

With a 180 degree change of opinion, I decided this year to purchase a sword, thanks to a colleague who incidentally convinced me to start Aikido.  Thank you Jason!

Today, my opinion is far from my original one.  Whenever possible, I take the time to practice a few exercises and movements learned during training sessions and courses.  My movements, positioning, accuracy and concentration may be far from my observations of the more advanced students; nonetheless, I possess the desire to progress.  Unlike other techniques that require the presence of an attacker, the sword practice can be performed alone.  For an early riser like me, starting a day by repeating a few sequences (bokken, Iaito or tai chi jian) in my garden for half an hour, while the sun is slowly rising in front of me, is a real joy. It is a physical activity but also a very pleasant way to work my concentration and step back from the tumult of life.

 

I realize that saber training is no more dangerous or pro-violence than fencing, archery or even a hockey game.  It does not entice more violence than the daily usage of a car or a kitchen knife.  It is not the weapon that is dangerous, rather the intended use by its beholder.  It goes without say that unfortunately in our society, there will always be certain individuals who will only see swords for their primary usage and as weapons. 

 

Beyond discovering the sword, this experience has made me realize how narrow-minded I truly was.  I do not believe that it was intended this way but when you do not take time to observe and question yourself, I would say that this is what awaits you (the narrowness of the mind). This applies to Aikido, as well as life in general. 

 

Through this example, humility also translates as the acceptance of not knowing everything and remembering to look beyond one’s prejudices.  It proved to me that the primary beneficiary of this shift is essentially you. 

 

I think the reasons leading us to practice Aikido vary from one person to another and especially evolve over time. We can be enthusiasts of martial arts at a very young age and have intimately integrated martial arts in our life forever.  In my case, the practice of Aikido came later because I had never been exposed to it before.  Motivations can also stem from a specific event, for example a questioning or an awareness of life. Aikido is sometimes practiced as a simple physical exercise or purely as a form of meditation, or both.  Some individuals seek answers to philosophical questions and a method for personal growth.  Others want to try something out of the ordinary. 

 

In my case, my motivations have evolved over time (see my previous article), having gone through several of the items described previously.  I particularly appreciate the emphasis placed on development and progression.  Values such as respect, openness, commitment and perseverance are fundamental values that are part of the training.  This reminds me of a time when I was still a student.  One of my mentors, who greatly influenced me, kept demanding that my colleagues and me perform personal and professional tasks with conviction. He encouraged us and provided really valuable advices.  Our school year ended with a discussion on the following quote that I still remember and wanted to share with you. 

 

"Ce que la main donne, elle ne l'a plus, 

  Ce que l'intelligence donne, elle le partage, 

  Ce que le cœur donne, l'enrichit."

("What the hand gives, it no longer holds,

  What intelligence gives, it will share,

  What the heart gives, is rewarding. ")

 

 

 

In conclusion, my experience with the sword and Aikido (Jiseikan Ottawa) regularly reminds me how important it is to remain vigilant against one's own convictions and prejudices.

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