Aikido Seminar as a Universal Form of Training and Motivation for Athletes of All Levels of Mastery

Abstract

The presented research analyzes an aikido seminar class from the point of view of the universality of this form of work for developing technical techniques at all skill levels. It was determined that since aikido does not provide for competitive activities, but the need to check one’s technique, to communicate, to have the opportunity to practice with different athletes, representatives of different dojos, schools, federations and skill levels is present and even determines the motivation for further aikido practice, then it is the form of the seminar class that is universal and acceptable for everyone.
 The article describes the state of physical culture and sports activities of aikido athletes, an important role in which is occupied by independent and internal work, which involves the cultivation of willpower necessary for studying the discipline of Budo. The psychological aspect is also important, because regardless of the level of skill, an aikido athlete never reaches the limit of his technical perfection. This factor can simultaneously act as an incentive for constant work on himself and respect for his partner, and demotivation, since a person needs encouragement and status with significant experience and a certain status in aikido.
 So that, it was determined that the seminar itself, due to a wider choice of partners for practice and the non-standard nature of the techniques studied at the seminars, makes athletes aware of their real level of skill. It gives a sense of belonging to the community, motivates, promotes the disclosure of internal potential, as physical, and psycho-emotional, awaken interest and motivation for further growth.
 Based on their own experience of participating, organizing and conducting seminar and certification classes in aikido, the authors of the presented scientific article consider the seminar class as a method of conducting training, which allows simultaneously developing athletes' endurance, technicality and lability, that is, nervous mobility, speed of reaction. The peculiarity of this method is that it is suitable for both beginners and masters of kyu levels, as well as for more experienced athletes, including fifth dan levels and above.
 This study is based on the practice and experience of various aikido schools and directions in the world, is based on the practical achievements of the heads of clubs and federations, is aimed at improving the level of conducting aikido seminar classes, identifying weak points and developing recommendations for the preparation and form of conducting such classes. In addition, the presented research aims to identify the place of attestation within the framework of the seminar, to analyze its expediency and effectiveness.