Splits and Connections: Ma-ai.
Most Aikido practitioners know that “Ai-ki-do” translates directly as “Harmony-Energy-Way”, the “Way” of harmonising energy. And we all know that harmony is when many different notes are being sung simultaneously, maintaining such a perfect relationship of tone and timing with each other that it sounds wonderful. It does NOT mean that a single identical note is being sung by all.
Keeping this perspective, instead of being embarrassed about the many splits and breakaway groups and different styles of Aikido, we should instead be delighted by the wonderful diversity of expression of O Sensei's Art.
To grow from an embryo into a fully-formed baby, a single cell splits, then each of those cells splits again and again and again. But they don't lose contact with each other, they remain connected and work together. Each individual cell has the potential to be a brain cell or a skin cell or a bone cell – anything. It suppresses its ability to be all the other things that it could be, in order to specialise and be whatever cell is needed for the formation of a full human being.
Following this example of natural growth and development, each Aikido student, dojo, and organisation naturally expresses their individuality; and I believe we should also try to maintain respectful and friendly relationships with other students, and with the teachers and students of other Aikido clubs and organisations.
Recognising the right of others to be different, while maintaining our own perspective and preferred ways of doing things, allows growth and development to happen without conflict or ill-will.
Finding a ma-ai with others which goes beyond the physical practice on the mat and extends into how we relate to other Aikido styles and groups seems to me to be a natural way to apply Aikido principles.
Fiona Kelty, December 2010.