Aikido for Life - An Interview with A Master

by Robert Caruso for Changing Times Magazine

Robert: From what I understand you have been involved in Aikido for quite some time, is that right? So how did you get involved in it?

Lynn: I’ve been in Aikido now Robert for over twenty-five years, and I’ve been asked through the years “Did Aikido find me or did I find Aikido”? The answer is we found each other. I was looking for a discipline that fit my personality and also to be part of a group type development. It seemed the most appropriate for me.

Robert: Why Aikido, not Taekwondo or Karate or something like that?

Lynn: What makes Aikido different from the fighting arts is the intent behind the art. Many of the martial arts, I believe are originally pulled together for positive means, but are utilizing negative energy. When it is necessary to inflict pain, when it’s necessary to win at any cost, the intent is coming from a negative vibration. In Aikido, we are neutralizing with the least amount of control, and the least amount of pain, to remove the opponent’s desire to attack and this is a higher vibration. When we’re on the mat practicing, we are learning to manage energy, through blending and re-directing. It’s not that you are moving somebody, it’s that their following your intent. There is a moment when the neutralization happens, subtley, fluidly, and before they know it, it’s happening. You see, fluidity is a high vibration, it’s riding the energy.

Robert: I understand your style of Aikido is different than most, what makes it different?

Lynn: It’s different for me also, Robert, since I use to teach mainly technique. As I began to change in my personal life, my style of teaching also changed. I now teach Aikido as a way of life. All the movements I teach on the mat coincide with life’s principles. In this way Aikido appeals to many people. Not everyone is going to be interested in the martial aspects. Some of the topics I emphasize are the power of intent, moving forward, recovery and how to utilize your energy efficiently.

Robert: So how do Aikido concepts change your life?

Lynn: When I say recovery as a concept, it means we do not focus on our mistakes, rather how quickly can we recover. We teach physical balance, which also includes mental and emotional balance. If we are over-extended in our movements, we have given away our balance and power. The two are synonymous, therefore defining our boundaries helps us to restore balance back into our lives.

Robert: Can anyone benefit from this? Who’s life would it change?

Lynn: It can benefit anyone’s life who would allow themselves to change. Again, the philosophical principles in Aikido are universal and timeless.

Robert: I had heard that you were doing some work with abused women?

Lynn: That's right Robert. My eldest son was volunteering some time in the women's shelter and encuoraged me to speak to them because he considers me an inspriational and motivational speaker. I followed through on the idea and I like being able to speak to them about projecting their energy, expressing it verbally without getting defensive, increasing their self-confidence through the concepts of Aikido. I received wonderful comments from the groups of women. They found it self-empowering and it made sense to them.

Robert: Confident, self-esteem, projecting their energy, balance, so why would a woman becoming confident in herself keep from getting with a man who is controlling or aggressive?

Lynn: When they understand the concepts of Aikido, they begin to realize the principle of "like attracts like". There are no opposites in the universe. There has to be a common ground between two people to bring them together. If one is controlling, the other must be submissive. Once the woman decides to raise her vibration, she's not going to be submissive, therefore the attraction will not happen.

Robert: So by teaching them to defend themselves in Aikido, this helps them in these situations?

Lynn: The first rule of thumb in Aikido is to get off the line of attack, whether it is physical or verbal. We train the students to be sensitive to energy, so in turn, they can manage the energy that is coming toward them. It's not that we're moving a person physically, they are following our intent. Creating movement is important, rather than being paralyzed through fear.

Robert: So we can see it’s good for women, but how about the corporate executive?

Lynn: Aikido is so versatile. In the corporate world, there's the stress of getting things done in a timely manner. Aikido teaches calmness in movement, and movement in calmness. We practice a freestyle known as randori, where multiple opponents come at us at fast speeds. Our training is to stay calm, create openings, move fluidly through all this chaotic energy and we handle only one opponent at a time. In the corporate world, it is no different. You can only do one thign at a time and allow yourself to be calm while you're doing it. One doesn't have control over how others are going to react, you create how you want to handle the situation.

Robert: I went to one of your demonstrations and I noticed that there is a technique where they are grabbed from behind.

Lynn: We teach being sensitive to energy and picking up the vibration of their intent before they physically make contact. The idea is not to be accessible, that you can feel it coming.

Robert: Obviously you've changed the way Aikido is being taught, how do your colleagues feel about changing the tradition?

Lynn: Many teach the physical aspects, I prefer to teach mind, body and spirit to work together to promote defense, development and for self-actualization. In essence, Aikido principles that will enhance your life.