A Thesis
Submitted to the
Faculty of The Graduate College
in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the
Degree of Master of Arts
Department of Comparative Religion
by Peter W. Boylan, M.A
This thesis will address the practice of one particular
martial art, Aikido, in the United States. Aikido is one of the most overtly
spiritual of the martial arts, emphasizing that its teachings are not just a
set of techniques for dealing with violent attacks, but, more importantly,
they are for improving oneself and drawing closer to the divine.
Aikido_roots_and_branches
Body Awareness Training Methods
and their Applications in Daily Life
by
Paul Linden
1. Body alignment
(posture) and body use (movement style) are the concrete manifestations of a
person’s philosophy of self/world/action.
2. Emotions and perception are physical actions done in the body.
3. Intentionality is what shapes posture and movement.
4. The attack/defense interaction is an excellent model for all problematic
situations. The common response to a challenge is to constrict, twist and
harden the breathing, posture, and movement. This hardening is the somatic
action of separateness, isolation, fear, anger, and effort.
5. It is possible to replace the action of hardening the body with the
intention/action of opening the body. Speaking in terms of intentionality
(or ki), this would be an expansive, radiant, symmetrical state of
intention. Speaking in terms of posture, this would be a vertical state of
alignment, with the spinal column and head supported effectively on the
pelvis and legs. Speaking in terms of psychology or spirituality, this would
be an integration of awareness, power, love, and freedom.
7. This state of open integrity is the basis for effective thinking and
acting in any area of life.
The Body
Psychological and Psyche Embodied:
Embodying Peace in Conflict Resolution Using the Martial Art of Aikido
By: Timothy H. Warneka, M.Ed., L.P.C.C.
President, Psyche & Soma Consulting, Ltd.
A phrase that is frequently tossed
about in the holistic literature is the "mind/body"
connection. ..The principles of Aikido have helped me to develop a
body-oriented approach to working with populations of sexually aggressive
and physically aggressive adolescents.
The principles of Aikido have a great
deal to offer the fields of both psychotherapy and conflict resolution. One
of the exciting things about Aikido is that it allows us to study our
responses to conflict. Some of the principles of Aikido that I find helpful
to focus on include: (1) relaxation and openness; (2) grounding; (3) being
centered; (4) extension; and (5) blending.
Learning and Healing in
Addictive Workplaces: the Consultant's Role
by Roger Harrison PhD
I learned a lot from
people in the dramatic and martial arts. From Terry Dobson, aikido master, I
learned to move with the energy of an attack or criticism rather than
rebutting or countering it. I now make it a matter of personal pride not to
defend my points with an argument.
Dian Marie Hosking & Andy Bass
In the martial art of Aikido a
deliberately non-contentious stance is taken to an attack. Rather than
attempting to stop an incoming blow, the skilled practitioner allows the
energy of the blow to continue and supplements it in a way that does not
warrant it as an attack. Aikido offers an elegant metaphor for a relational
approach to change, and in particular highlights the shift from relations of
'power over' between entities in subject-object relation, to 'power to'
construct multiple local realities and relations.
Dealing_with_resistance
by IAN COOK
Here is a "cutting edge"
approach that draws from both Gestalt psychology and the martial art of
Aikido.
The
Effects of A Therapeutic Martial Arts Program on Youth in Residential
Psychiatric Treatment
Brian Hill, LCSW, Assistant Professor
The therapeutic MAT literature does
not include research applied specifically to youth placed in long term
mental health treatment settings. The
currently proposed study focuses on the effects of a therapeutic martial
arts program on severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents in
an urban residential treatment program.
Characteristics
of a ‘transforming violence’ approach
Transformative strategies work with the
energy or passion of violence, rather than opposing it or trying to
eradicate it. For example, in the martial art form Aikido, people are taught
to redirect the energy of the attacker to avoid harm to all parties — as
opposed to other forms of self-defence that teach how to repel the energy or
to counter-attack.
Exercise_naturally
DENNY WAXMAN
Everything is balance. When we are
close to the center we are naturally attracted back to the center to create
a balance.
There are three basic types of
exercise:
- Harmonious or life-related.
- Ki-related exercise.
- Physically, emotionally related
exercise.
Hypnosis,
Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and Aikido
Windle
R; Samko M
Department
of Counseling and Educational Psychology, University of Oregon
Several key Ericksonian concepts find
cross-cultural validation and practical application in the Japanese martial
art of Aikido. The Aikido view of resistance offers an increased
understanding of strategic/Ericksonian approaches. Therapist training may be
enhanced by combining Aikido principles with traditional methods.
The
martial arts and mental health: the challenge of managing energy
Seitz
FC; Olson GD; Locke B; Quam R
The effective management of energy is an
important dimension in the martial arts as well as the mental health
professions. These martial arts have some important statements to make in
the area of mental health, particularly in terms of energy--within our
bodies, psyches, interpersonal relationships, and the universe.
Psychotherapeutic_aspects_of_the
Martial Arts
Weiser
M; Kutz I; Kutz SJ; Weiser D
Shalvata
Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
Formerly understood by
Western thought as only a set of fighting skills, the Martial Arts (MAs)
have come to be seen, in the psychological literature about the MAs, as a
comprehensive approach to both physical and mental health.
Recipes_for_stress
By Charlie Badenhop
Stress is a particular emotional state. Emotion consists
of language AND body. Emotion is a system that is coherent at a deeper level
than language or body taken separately. Emotion is a system that is
coherent at a deeper level than language or body taken separately. When your
emotional state changes there is a concurrent change in your body, and in
your use of language (including your internal thought processes). When your
emotions truly
change, you will notice a change in the way you use your body AND a change
in the way you think about and describe your experience. When your emotions
truly change you will feel better about who you are and what you are capable
of. Greater self awareness leads to a more relaxed and creative
use of your entire system. When you feel better, you think better, and new
solutions begin to become apparent. All of which leads to a greater
likelihood that you will meet the challenges you face with great success.
Self
Defense If not now, when
By Lore Axe
Fundamental change requires that the means to achieve the
desired end challenge the extreme violence of the present system. The
apparent contradiction between love and fighting actually demonstrates the
balance necessary in the life of a warrior. Lack of compassion can lead to
the life of a thug, while the absence of martial skills will result in the
inability to defend one’s self and community.
Shadow
"The shadow is the negative side of the personality,
the sum of all those unpleasant qualities we like to hide, together with the
insufficiently developed functions and the contents of the personal
unconscious..."
-Carl G. Jung
Blair Gelbond
It is not often easy to confront our
shadows or accept the lessons they have to share. Sometimes groups or
individuals resist the teachings of the shadow because it can cause anxiety
or discomfort. Other times when we confront the shadow, if we do not have
the right tools, we can get stuck in certain patterns of thought or behavior
which can be very frustrating and discouraging. Thankfully, there are many
cognitive and behavior tools to help us reach our goals as a person or group
and maximize our creative potential.
Spiritual
Psychology
Sherman R. Buck
Fairhaven College at Western Washington
University
Reconnecting to our bodies is an
essential part of our healing. When the mind is joined with the body, space
is opened for greater knowing and healing.
Tapping_into_dual_sources_of_intelligence
by Charlie Badenhop
The bulk of this "article"
is from the chapter I have written for the forthcoming book "Walking in
two worlds: The Relational Self in theory, practice, and community,"
...In Aikido we learn to sense and react without needing to rationally
consider what is taking place...The language of the somatic self is wired
into our system at birth and forms the foundation of our memories, verbal
communication, learned responses, and our ability to live and sustain
ourselves. This somatic language is at least as sophisticated, systematic,
and complete as our native tongue.
The
Benefits of Budo
The Development and Psychology of
Bushido and Budo
Paul D. Short
What research says
about today's martial artists
Fuller supports the view that tactile communication
between partners in the soft arts, especially aikido, is important in
reducing aggressiveness.
Ki and Inner
Strength
Ki is as fundamental to Eastern thought as the idea
of Good and Evil is in the West.
Conflict
Resolution
In internal martial arts such as aikido,
stress management is dealt with in a non-verbal manner, using the body
itself as a tool for learning. This has the two-fold effect of relieving
stress both physically and mentally.
Centering, or
Keeping One-Point
Resolving conflict in the martial arts also means
resolving conflict within the self. Keeping One-Point (Centrum, tanden
or the physical point two inches below the navel) is vital in the practice
of aikido--an aikidoka maintains One-Point while controlling an attacker's
One-Point, or balance. The very intent of aggression means that the attacker
has morally lost One-Point, which also means that the person has lost
One-Point psychologically and physically.
The Misinterpretation of Aikido
Aikido adheres to the highest moral standards of any martial art. It
promotes the creation of harmony, the protection of all life, the
preservation of order, and the development of a strong society. Its emphasis
is on healing and universal peace, not violence and destruction. And
O-Sensei placed the highest importance on love as the source of all things
in life. This is why Aikido is called "gentle."
White Collar, Black Belt
Aikido teaches you not to resist force, but to harness it -- a technique
that can prove invaluable in dealing with change, maintaining a positive
attitude, and connecting with other people. "Aikido helps people
refocus and regain their balance,
Effective_types_of_youth_violence
In recent years, researchers have
carefully evaluated the effectiveness of a number of violence prevention
programs and strategies. The good news is that a number of programs have
been proven to be effective at preventing violence, even with teens that are
already violent or in trouble with the law.
Physical
Non-violence for Peace Teams
Peace Team News, a publication of
Friends Teams Peace Project
Physical Non-violence for Peace Teams
by Bill Leicht
Recently an AVP facilitator and
ex-inmate friend, T. Haywood, stated flatly that he is “anti-violent”
not non-violent. I believe he meant that transforming violence requires an
activism not suggested by the word “non-violence.” From my work in the
ghettos of New York City, with street youth and in Aikido (a “non-violent”
Japanese martial art) I believe that he is on to something.
Protecting
Against Bullies Throughout the Life Cycle
Carol E. Watkins, M.D.
Northern County Psychiatric Associates
Bullies are frequently the root of
disruption, injury and violence in schools and the workplace. Learn how to
change the culture of your organization in order to defuse bullying.
Characteristics_of_transforming
violence
Transforming Violence
Violence is a learned behavior– and
the learning usually begins in childhood. So work with and by children and
young people towards developing strategies to transform violence is key to
developing a safer future. Transformative strategies work with the energy or
passion of violence, rather than opposing it or trying to eradicate it. For
example, in the martial art form Aikido, people are taught to redirect the
energy of the attacker to avoid harm to all parties — as opposed to other
forms of self-defence that teach how to repel the energy or to
counter-attack.
Dealing_with_bullies
Carol E. Watkins, MD
It would be nice if this would
eliminate bullying. Unfortunately, even if you do your best to avoid being a
target, someone will still try to bully you. What do you do then?
Dealing_with_bullies_and_how_not
to be One
Carol E. Watkins, MD
Some children benefit from a good
martial arts class. It is important to select an instructor who talks about
alternatives to physical violence and who teaches children how to get out of
dangerous situations with the least amount of physical contact. Children who
stick with these lessons rarely use their skills in aggressive ways. The
discipline often raises their self esteem which makes them less likely to
become a target.
Change
vowed at Juvenile Hall
By Karen de Sa
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
The policy
changes include ending hall staff's use of "bone-lock pain
compliance" restraints that have caused serious injuries. The
department has already announced dramatic plans for reform in recent weeks,
including the installation of video cameras and locked grievance boxes. An
aikido specialist was on site Wednesday preparing to train staff in new
restraint techniques.
Alternative Treatments for RSI
Using Eastern methods such as t'ai chi and aikido to treat repetitive
strain injuries.
Homeopathy,
Aikido and Systemic Psychotherapy
All family therapists, including myself, have had success along these
lines, however, the most profound difference that I have observed has been the
readiness for change influenced by the use of homeopathy and Aikido in my
experience. From this I believe that whatever holistic method is used within
the practice of psychotherapy it will help those involved get closer to living
that larger metaphor of nature.
Meet A Whirlwind American
Sensei
Stanford is about
to study the theory, but when it comes to practice George Leonard is hard to
beat. "Aikido prevents aging," asserts 76-year-old George
Leonard.
Law_of_least_effort
by Deepak Chopra
The fourth spiritual law of success is
the Law of Least Effort. This law is based on the fact that nature's
intelligence functions with effortless ease and abandoned carefreeness. This
is the principle of least action, of no resistance. This is, therefore, the
principle of harmony and love.
Becoming_spiritual
by Wayne Dyer
The entire philosophy of aikido and
the Oriental martial arts is based not on external power over the opponent,
but on becoming at one with that external energy to remove the threat.
Mastery:
The Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment
by George Leonard
Intuitive
Body by Wendy Palmer
People Building Peace
Preparing for Peace –Conflict
Transformation Across Cultures
Prevention and Management of Violent
Conflicts
The Third Side - Why We Fight and
How We Can Stop
A
list of AIKIDO books
The Secrets of Police Aikido
this book is an
up-to-date manual for mastering the martial art preferred by police officers
all across the country. Although Aikido is nonaggressive, skilled
practitioners can easily control many challenging situations.
When_stress_sets_in
Thomas Crum
A combative co-worker. An impossible
task. A difficult relationship. Life’s daily challenges frustrate and
drain most people. But not those who have learned to plug into the energy
conflicts provide, and use that power to forge positive change in their
lives.
In this eye-opening four volume video set, author Thomas Crum shows you how
the principles of Aikido — a powerful martial arts philosophy — can help
you turn conflict and stress into a limitless source of personal energy.
Conflict
Theory and Aikido
Department of Sociology Tentative
Graduate Courses
2003-2004
30115. Conflict Theory and Aikido. The
practice of aikido offers a contemporary exemplar for dealing with conflict
which has creative applications in many spheres. This course introduces the
theory and practice of aikido together with literature on conflict by
economists, sociologists, psychologists, and philosophers
Student_management_teams
University of Wisconsin
The class was a martial arts class in
aikido, run in the fairly traditional manner of Japanese aikido schools
(which are superb models of cooperative learning). I received
marvelous ratings from the students in all categories, particularly the
items that related to clarity, organization and effectiveness of lectures.
There was one problem however; traditional martial arts teachers don't
lecture — and neither did I. I got top ratings on lecture skills without
giving a single lecture!
Studies
The
efficacy of traditional martial arts programs applied toward mental health
issues is well documented
Early
research (Nosanchuk, 1981) indicated MAT increased self-control,
assertiveness, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Trulson
(1986) studied the effects of traditional MAT in his important work with
juvenile delinquent youth in a community setting, and also found significant
benefits in decreased aggressiveness and anxiety, and increased self-esteem
and social skills.
Fuller’s (1988) assertions that
aikido matches the needs of psychotherapeutic programs are well taken.
The concepts of blending, non-violence, peaceful conflict resolution,
centering, and non-competitiveness inherent in aikido practice make it an
ideal modality to approach emotionally disturbed children and adolescents
Virtual_classroom_enter_classroom
Touch the Future Org
Michael Murphy
Co-Founder, Esalen Institute, Author, In the Zone, Future of the Body
Our goal is to apply what thousands of
people have discovered about the Zone, the state of Flow and true Play, and
apply these “technologies of transformation” to parenting and to
education.
Healing_power_of_the_drum
Robert Lawrence Friedman
The hand drum has been used for
thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. However, the
merging of science with the healing qualities of the hand drum is a relatively
new development.
Some of the psychological applications
in which hand drums are being used include assisting veterans to release the
emotional pain of post-traumatic stress disorder, releasing the pent-up anger
and negative emotions of "at-risk" adolescents, and promoting health
in corporate executives through releasing their day-to-day stress, in addition
to many other applications.
In the medical field, the hand drum is
being used to help Alzheimer's patients improve their short-term memory and
increase social interaction and to help autistic children increase their
attention spans.
New_vitamin_d
Christine
Stevens M.S.W., MT-BC
The drum is a vibrational tuning fork,
offering a mirror of what is truly inside our hearts, a rhythm that has been
within us since our birth.
What_is_a_community_drum_circle
by Arthur Hull
The Community Drum Circle is the use of a
rhythm-based event as a tool for unity. It
is NOT a drum class. It's NOT using culturally-specific rhythms. A community
drum circle is a fun, family friendly event, where people empower each
other in the act of celebrating community and life through rhythm and music.
People of all levels of musical expertise come together and share their
rhythmical spirit with what ever drums and percussion they bring to the event.
The spirit and magic of rhythm expressed on drums and percussion instruments
cuts through all ages, sexes, religions, races and cultures.
Rhythm is a universal language known to every one, even the youngest child, if
we can just "remember."
Communitas
Acacia Center
We must also be aware of the resonance we are creating in
ourselves and with our life companions because we are part of something much
greater than ourselves. Emotion is the vibration of the heart. We must be
aware of our emotions. It is through our emotions that we will discover how
our being is vibrating - how our drum is speaking in and through the universe.
Our resonance affects all that we connect with. So we must take care that we
are truly resonating in God's Rhythm.
Drum_balancing
Vibrational Medicine in its many guises has been in service
to the people for generations. This is a beauty way of healing, gentle
though deep, grounded yet having the ability to work on all aspects of a
persons being. Restoration of harmony through the reconnection of heart.
BEATING
CHRONIC ILLNESS
Drumming offers a sound addition to modern efforts to ease pain.
By April Thompson
Overwhelmed by depression, pain, and
paralysis, Heather MacTavish found herself grudgingly giving up her
bookkeeping business and San Francisco apartment. She’d just been diagnosed
with Parkinson’s disease