Beach Ball Theory

By Reginald Williams, University of Iowa Aikikai
ddwddick@yahoo.com

I recall the first time I saw Shihan Yoshimitsu Yamada at the Central Illinois Aikikai. He welcomed the participants to the seminar, stating "If you came here to see advanced techniques, then you will be disappointed." A hush went out over the crowd. He would go on to say "I teach the basics in my Aikido seminars - but that's why I'm so good." This was met with laughing approval, as we stood and began to stretch. Yamada Sensei emphasized many ideas that day, but the one that has stuck with me the most was him saying "Begin your technique like you are holding a beach ball." He then went on to demonstrate Katatetori Kokyonage in this very way.

I believe what he was expressing was the importance of extension in our techniques. I realize this now when I practice with others in our dojo who "short-arm" their extension on techniques. Katatetori Sankyo is a perfect example for Yamada Sensei's beach-ball analogy; the smaller you make your ball, the greater the likelihood that you will be reversed on your technique. When a proficient partner sees nage not extending a technique, a gentle reversal reminds her or him to keep or find that extension. We help one another become better in this endeavor. Nage remembers to use extension during the waza. Uke realizes that they should not just fall for anything, any or every time...

In teaching children Aikido, John Brandon (University of Iowa Aikikai) talks about the 'Ring of steel' established when the arms are extended. It is another word picture that helps us to grasp the concept of extension. Lately he has been talking about 'Holding a large pizza, that will be delivered on uke.' With this analogy, the arms are expected to be up and extended when you deliver the pizza. Think about the pizza delivery guy - would you accept the pizza if it weren't held upright, parallel to ground, or carried in just any manner? We should deliver our techniques in the same manner - with great care instead of in a hap-hazard fashion.

All 3 analogies work very well. When practicing Aikido hold as large a beach ball, ring of steel or pizza as you can carry while maintaining your balance and centering. As your beach ball, ring or pizza becomes smaller you will experience difficulty or resistance from uke when performing the waza. Of course, Clyde Takeguchi Shihan (Capital Aikikai) would tell you to "Connect to yourself first" to overcome any resistance, but that's a discussion for another time. When in your dojo or at seminar in the future, take your imaginary ball with you and use it during practice. Then your waza might become just like another day at the beach...