A guide to "getting it wrong"

In one of the Star Wars films Yoda says "Do or do not, there is no try" but when it comes to aikido you'll seldom get it right first time! So it's important to try.

Just because aikido lessons can look calm and focused, it doesn't make it easy. I hardly ever get it right first time. Often Sensei will demonstrate something then tell us to go do it. I do try to copy and it looked straight forward but actually doing it is a different matter.

I used to beat myself up about that. I'd go home and whine to Michael "how come everyone else can do it and I'm rubbish?" But I, of all people, should understand that we all have different learning styles. I'm a reflector which means I'll yo yo between doing and analysing so it takes me a bit longer to work things out. Take a randori for example. Sensei demonstrates what we've to do and then the circle is open for students to do it in turn. Usually (as per etiquette) the highest grade student goes first and we work our way down the grades. This is perfect because it means I can watch and analyse it before its my turn. Sometimes that works and I do get it right, other times it turns into a muddle of arms and legs. But one thing Sensei has always said is "it doesn't matter if you get it wrong, just do something". This all comes down to confidence and attitude. If you're being attacked by 4 guys you can't just hold up your hand and say "hang on a minute till I think... what's 10th form again? Ok GO!"

Every now and again I get stuck. Take 6th form tenchinage. That's a scary technique and it's difficult to relax and not hold back. Last night I just couldn't get myself in the right position to get the technique to work. I think Dan had to use every ounce of patience he could muster! Yet when I got home and tried it on michael it worked perfectly first time (and believe me, he doesn't let me off lightly!). Just goes to show you what relaxation and confidence can do! And a little bit of competitiveness...

And so, from my experience, here is my guide to "getting it wrong":

- don't beat yourself up. If you've tried to follow the instructions and you haven't been disrespectful then at least you made a go of it. Always give 100% and nobody will ask anymore of you. You'll get it eventually and then something else will come along.
- "it doesn't matter if you get it wrong, just do something". If you're being attacked you need to protect yourself so do something! This is, in fact, much easier said than done!
- you're allowed to ask questions. Be respectful about it though. The highest grade in your group does the teaching so ask them for their guidance. If you don't think it's right keep your mouth shut for now and ask Sensei quietly later on. If you're the highest grade and you don't know the answer, ask Sensei.
- never chastise someone else for getting it wrong. Everyone is trying their best so be patient. One day the tables will be turned.
- you will have at least one nemesis. For me it's nikkyo (and at the moment 6th form tenchinage). Don't get worked up. See my first point - at least you're trying.

So, in short, the great Yoda obviously did not practice aikido because it's important to try even if you don't get it first time. I prefer the quote by O-sensei: Failure is the key to success. Every mistake teaches us something.