You wrote, "In aikidô practice, it is necessary to avoid becoming preoccupied with whether or not techniques are effective, and first simply repeat the forms, both uke and tori, correctly. 1�7 One should be mindful to take the time to absorb into one's body everything from techniques involving small movements of the arms and legs to larger and simpler movements, in such a way that strength is not overused."
In Japan, we transmit and learn culture through forms, often becoming captive in those forms, so much so that our culture has been called a "culture of form." Forms are the heart/mind of our forebearers and a mode of transmission of the same. It is known that, when we learn or train in something, we pass through the stages of shu, ha, and ri. These stages are explained as follows. In shu, we repeat the forms and discipline ourselves so that our bodies absorb the forms that our forebearers created. We remain faithful to the forms with no deviation. Next, in the stage of ha, once we have disciplined ourselves to acquire the forms and movements, we make innovations. In this process the forms may be broken and discarded. Finally, in ri, we completely depart from the forms, open the door to creative technique, and arrive in a place where we act in accordance with what our heart/mind desires, unhindered while not overstepping laws.
Quelle:
An Interview with Endô Seishirô Shihan by Aiki News, 2005
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