We have to do the thing in order to get good at doing the thing. We must begin with vulnerability: small risks being clumsy and awkward. This is the way. This is the only way. No exceptions.
"You do not learn how to ice skate by reading a book about ice skating." — Dr. Richard Cook
The only ways to accelerate skill acquisition are mentorship, deliberate practice, and a community of practice. The learning model here is apprenticeship. We need a dojo, not a classroom and books.
Aikido skill grows over time through changes in neurons, muscles, perception and movement. Each stage of growth unlocks opportunity to perceive and respond to new subtleties. Often we must unlearn habits formed in earlier stages of growth in order to unlock the next stage of growth. Progress takes time and patience and persistence.
We start with clumsy, conceptual ideas about movement and ideas about perception. With practice, that knowledge moves from the cortex towards the brain stem and spine. We need responses that are nearly reflexive in order for martial arts skills to actually protect us from harm.
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