The Power of Consistent Practice

Why Consistency Matters

Author

Matthew Doetsch-Kidder
September 05, 2024

Table of Contents

Thought of the Week : Consistency

Consistency is the foundation of progress and transformation, in Ki Aikido and in life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the benefits of consistent practice cannot be overstated.

Building Muscle Memory: Every time you step onto the mat, you’re not just learning techniques; you’re training your body and mind to respond instinctively. Consistency allows you to build muscle memory, making each movement more natural and fluid over time. The more regularly you practice, the more deeply ingrained these movements become, enabling you to calmly respond with confidence and precision in any situation.

Deepening Understanding: Ki Aikido is an art that involves both physical and mental elements. Consistent practice allows you to explore these layers more and more deeply. Each class is an opportunity to refine your technique, understand Ki Principles more fully, and then apply these lessons in your daily life. When you commit to regular training, you’ll find that your understanding of Ki, Aikido and its philosophies grows, bringing more depth and meaning to your practice.

Physical and Mental Resilience: Regular practice builds not just physical strength but also mental resilience. As you face challenges on the mat—whether it’s mastering a new technique or overcoming fatigue—you’re also training your mind to stay focused and composed under pressure. This resilience extends beyond the dojo, helping you better handle stress and adversity in your daily life.

Ki Breathing and Ki Meditation: Consistently practicing Ki Breathing and Ki Meditation enhances your ability to connect with and control your energy, both on and off the mat. Ki Breathing and Ki Meditation help bringing calm and focus to your mind/heart (kokoro) while energizing your body. These practices, when done regularly, increases your ability to stay centered during stressful situations, allowing you to respond rather than react in every part of your life.

Creating Momentum: Consistency creates momentum. When you establish a regular training schedule, you build a habit that becomes easier to maintain over time. This momentum carries you forward, making it easier to continue your practice even on days when motivation is low. By committing to your training, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

Staying Connected: A regular training schedule keeps you connected to the dojo community. Each class is an opportunity to train with others, share experiences, and support one another’s growth. This sense of community can be a powerful motivator, encouraging you to stay committed to your practice.

Commit to Your Growth: The benefits of Ki Aikido unfold over time, and consistency is the key to unlocking them. By committing to your training schedule, you’re not just improving your skills—you’re embarking on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Remember, progress in Aikido is not about perfection in any single class; it’s about the steady, cumulative effect of regular practice.

So, as you plan your week, make your training a priority. Whether you can attend one class or several, each session brings you one step closer to your goals. Consistency matters—embrace it, and watch your practice, and yourself, flourish.

Let’s commit to consistency, and together, we’ll continue to grow, both on and off the mat.

Upcoming Seminar!

EKF Fall Seminar with Fryling Sensei presented by Philadelphia Ki-Aikido
Saturday 28 September

A continuation on the theme of Five Principles of Kaisho as taught by Fryling Sensei. The first seminar in this series was hosted by Northern Virginia Ki-Aikido, where we practiced the Kaisho of gokyu through ikkyu arts. Then at the Minnesota Ki Society, applications of the principles to Taigi, Kiatsuho, and weapons were demonstrated. The third seminar hosted by South Carolina Ki-Aikido and Furman University Ki-Aikido emphasized the parallels between the principles of Kaisho and the principles of Bokken.

Schedule
9am - Noon : Ki and Aikido Training
Noon - 1:30pm : Lunch
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Ki and Aikido Training
6:30pm : Social

Lodging
There are several hotels nearby, around the intersection of Conchester Hwy (US 322) and Baltimore Pike (US 1).
See this link for a Google Maps search of the area.

Cost / Payment
$50.00
Payments can be made via
 Venmo,
 Paypal 
or check made out to “Philadelphia Ki-Aikido”.

Point of Contact:
Direct any questions or comments to
Kenneth Mills, assistant instructor at Philadelphia Ki-Aikido [email protected]

Training Week in Review

Monday

Monday was Labor Day, so we did not hold class. I hope everyone had a chance to rest and recharge over the weekend.

Wednesday

Wednesday we reviewed much of what we’ve covered the last few weeks.

  • Ki Breathing

  • Ki Testing

    • Differences between shokyu, chukyu, and above

    • We practiced Unbendable Arm keeping in mind that if we are calm, relaxed, natural, and allow Ki to move freely, we can move our arm however we like even when our partner tries to stop us.

  • Bokken

    • In the exercise for presenting the bokken that we want to feel the mind of the bokken. Don’t pick it up and place it. Give it the pulse of energy at the beginning and follow the natural movement of the sword.

    • When presenting the sword, the body does not shift backwards even when the left foot moves slightly back. Do not pull/slacken Ki.

      • Imagine a you have a partner in front of you. If you shift back or slacken your ki, they have an opening to attack you.

    • The sword is “rear wheel drive”, the left had provides the power, the right hand “steers”.

    • When butting, don’t “scissor” or "go fishing.” Just cut straight down.

  • Hitori Waza

    • We did this facing the back of the dojo this time. We can get used to doing things in a particular orientation with specific clues (e.g. on Happo-waza being used to going to one wall or corner on a particular count). By changing our starting position, we have can’t be on auto-pilot; we have to be in the moment.

  • Ukemi

    • Remember to roll ACROSS or OVER the mat, not INTO the mat.

    • Maintain unbendable arm with the forward/rolling arm.

  • Rytotetori Shihonage Irimi

    • We practiced both static (“kaisho”) and in motion with rhythm (“gyosho”)

    • Work on knowing which of uke’s wrists to hold depending on what direction you enter.

      • As nage, when I move forward to my right, my right hand crosses to hold uke’s right wrist (which is holding my left hand).

    • When in motion, nage moves back and to the side blending with uke’s incoming energy before turning uke around.

Have a great rest of your week, and I hope to see you on the mat soon!

Matt Doetsch-Kidder