I realize that choosing grammar as a topic is going to result in a fall-off of about 95 percent of potential readers. However, language was my study in university and I’m a retired writer, so it’s an easy lens for me to use.
Every language has a grammar, as does every martial art — or every human activity, for that matter.
Aikido has a vocabulary of nouns (techniques) and verbs (body movement). How these are connected in practice is the grammar of Aikido, which includes timing and distance. In a sense, Aikido practice is communication, a shared understanding between people and a set of mutual expectations.
Each of us has an idiolect — the way we normally speak and the way we like to practice in the dojo. Every dojo has a dialect — a collection of idiolects that the members take for granted and often come to accept as an objective standard.
Some are tempted to feel that their dojo’s dialect is correct and that all others are therefore wrong. You may be practicing with someone from another dojo at a seminar and get the feeling that there is something weird about what they are doing. You recognise the technique but somehow you feel outside your comfort zone. (The urge to discuss this can be intense, but resist it.)
It’s the same with language… a Texan can be talking with a Scot and they understand each other, but they are very conscious of their differences.
I won’t even get into other martial arts… a karateka may have a completely different technical vocabulary and grammar than you do. It’s a different language. And as we sometimes see in foreign countries, shouting at them in your own language won’t help.
So, to get to my point… love your own language and become fluent. Embrace the technique as taught in your dojo. But don’t assume it’s somehow objectively the “correct” dialect or language or practice. Develop an ear for new information. Expand your vocabulary. As is often pointed out, learning a new language is good for the brain.
Seminars — practising with people from other dojos — are a good place to start.