Aikido: The Art of Turning Conflict on its Head

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April 1, 2013

a project of ServiceSpace

There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within.

- Morihei Ueshiba -

Aikido: The Art of Turning Conflict on its Head

"Growing up in a tough neighborhood of Kansas City, Andrew LeBar learned from an early age to hold his own. When someone pushed him, he pushed back."I had hard eyes," recalls LeBar, who still carries the stance of a bulldog and has the square jaw to match...Heading back to school at the University of Kansas in his 30s, LeBar decided to try aikido, a Japanese martial art, thinking he might pick up some self-defense techniques. At first he was intrigued by the group's teacher-- a "little old Japanese man." LeBar had never seen anyone move with such grace or agility. Then the sensei began to speak, and LeBar felt his foundation shift. "It was about dealing with someone's direction or force in a peaceful way -- taking that energy and changing it." This thoughtful article explores Aikido's revolutionary approach to conflict and its relevance in daily life. { read more }