Back in the early 1970s, soon after the kung-fu craze began to sweep the world, led by Bruce Lee’s movies, I borrowed a book from Winchester library called Aikido – And The Dynamic Sphere, written by A. Westbrook and O. Ratti. It’s an excellent, comprehensive book on the art and philosophy of Aikido. Recently I was pleased to discover that it is now available on Kindle.
Whilst re-reading the book today, I noticed the following comment: “In other words, aikido says that you should and must defend yourself, and supplies you with an extensive practice that will enable you to do so with optimum efficiency. But aikido also says that you must be responsible for not inflicting unnecessary damage upon your attacker. He is still operating on a lower level. You aspire to a superior level where your proven ability, well-earned self-confidence, and refinement of technique, will allow you to defend yourself without resorting to the brutal methods so often taught as legitimate means of self-defense.” As I read this illuminating principle my mind turned to Donald Trump’s approach to international relations, especially his current illegal war on Iran.
The stark juxtaposition of President Donald Trump’s current aggressive military actions against Iran with the principles outlined in Aikido – And The Dynamic Sphere presents a sharp contrast between brute force and a more refined, thoughtful approach to conflict resolution. The recent illegal war on Iran, marked by the tragic loss of thousands of innocent lives, including over 150 schoolgirls whose educational institution was struck by a U.S. Tomahawk missile, embodies a form of aggression that is clearly antithetical to the philosophies of aikido.
As we have learned, aikido is a martial art that emphasises harmony and the circular movement of energy, whilst teaching its practitioners to defend themselves while minimising harm to their adversaries. The quote from the book encapsulates this philosophy by highlighting the dual objectives of aikido: to defend oneself effectively and to do so without causing unnecessary harm to the attacker. This approach is rooted in the belief that true strength lies not in overpowering one’s opponent through brute force, but in transcending the need for such force by elevating one’s level of response.
In stark contrast, the military actions undertaken by the Trump administration against Iran exemplify a reliance on brute force, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The bombing of a school, killing numerous young girls, is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of such an approach. This act alone is a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during conflict.
The principles of aikido suggest a different path, one where defence is achieved not through the escalation of violence, but through a more nuanced and controlled response. By “not inflicting unnecessary damage upon your attacker,” aikido practitioners embody a form of self-defence that seeks to end conflict rather than perpetuate it. This philosophy is not limited to personal defence but can be seen as a metaphor for international relations and conflict resolution.
In the context of the U.S.-Iran conflict, adopting an aikido-inspired approach would involve a shift from military aggression to diplomatic engagement. It would require a willingness to address the underlying issues driving the conflict, rather than simply responding with force. This could involve a range of measures, from economic cooperation to cultural exchange, aimed at reducing tensions and fostering a more collaborative relationship.
The contrast between the Trump administration’s actions and the principles of aikido serves as a poignant reminder of the choices available in responding to conflict. While the former represents a continuation of a cycle of violence and retaliation, the latter offers a pathway towards a more peaceful and sustainable resolution. As the world watches the unfolding events in Iran and beyond, the lessons of aikido stand as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking a “superior level” of response to conflict—one that prioritises both effective defence and the minimisation of harm.
Ultimately, the tragic consequences of the current conflict underscore the need for a new approach, one that is guided by the wisdom of aikido: to defend without brutality, to protect without causing unnecessary harm, and to aspire to a level of response that elevates all parties involved. In doing so, we may find a more effective and humane path forward, one that honours the value of human life and promotes a more peaceful world.
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Worldwide Temple of Aurora 