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The Best Aikidoist That Never Existed

Gordon Teekell

All the aikido instructors I have trained with have insisted that aikido does not rely on strength to make techniques effective. They also espoused a belief that the greatest expression of aikido will not happen on the mat in the dojo, it will happen in the events of everyday life. O’Sensei has told us that aikido is for reconciling differences and bringing peace to the world.

I have not found many clear examples of this in real life. I have, however, been more successful in finding examples of real life aikido in works of fiction. Movies have been the most prolific source of stories that demonstrate how the principles of aikido can be used to resolve conflict situations in a peaceful yet direct way, but I think the best example comes from a series of books. As it turns out, these are books you can count on kids being pretty familiar with.

J. K. Rowling may have provided the world with the best Aikidoist that never existed. She offers us one indelible character who is consistently able to bring love, peace, and understanding to every situation. Who faces adversity with an unwavering strength and stability. Who remains calm when others panic. Who can get to the heart of every situation, see through deception, and encourage those that need love and support.

Whenever this character is confronted with a tough situation, they are able to apply the principles of aikido to resolve the conflict in a just, fair, and caring way that leaves others with their dignity and a chance to make the most of the experience they have just had. I am speaking, of course, about Professor Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Those of you who have read any of the Harry Potter books will no doubt have noticed how calm and wise Dumbledore is. He is the master of every situation. He has an awareness that goes beyond the moment or the immediate scene. He is able to see to the heart of the people he encounters and to bring out the best in them. If they insist on persisting in destructive behavior, he will find a way to have things work out for the greater good.

How many of us have experienced conflict situations at work or at school with individuals that outrank us? In “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” just such an event occurs. Cornelius Fudge is the Minister of Magic, the head of all wizards and witches. While Dumbledore is the Head Master of Hogwarts, he in no way has the executive power of Cornelius Fudge. Early in the book, Harry has been accused of practicing underage magic and is summoned to a disciplinary hearing before a committee of the Ministry of Magic. The hearing has been rigged to put Harry at a disadvantage in defending himself. He is facing the board of adults all alone, when suddenly, Dumbledore appears at the hearing to speak on Harry’s behalf.

During the exchange that follows, Dumbledore uses several basics of aikido philosophy to guide the proceeding to a favorable outcome for Harry. First, he does not clash with his partners. As he enters the proceedings, he assumes an amiable disposition and makes himself comfortable in the hostile environment. By doing so, he demonstrates centeredness, confidence and projects an aura of power.

As the hearing proceeds, Dumbledore is able to stay one step ahead of Fudge’s efforts to convict Harry. He never directly conflicts with Fudge and uses his knowledge of wizard law and the circumstances of the incident to guide the review board to the conclusion that no offense was committed. When Fudge tries to introduce offenses not related to the subject at hand, Dumbledore is not distracted but stays focused on the center of the issue and prevails. Dumbledore uses logic, reasoning, and the Ministry’s own rules to help the committee reach the conclusion that Harry was innocent.

Throughout the series of Harry Potter books, the Hogwarts Headmaster demonstrates his ability to master any difficult situation. He never becomes angry or loses his perspective. He remains calm and centered. He demonstrates awareness of his surroundings -- physical, political, tactical, and practical. Dumbledore has superb technique. It is obvious he knows magic and he knows people. He has practiced his craft to the point of mastery. He reaches his goals through blending and guidance rather than the crude application of force. At the conclusion of a conflict situation, Dumbledore's antagonist(s) remains unharmed. They emerge physically intact, but changed. They know they have been bested but have no way to resist, no power to undo what they have just agreed to.

Albus Dumbledore could teach all of us to be better aikidoists. Professor Dumbledore has taken aikido off the mats and applied its principles to everyday life. This is the ultimate incorporation of training, theory and philosophy into ones lifestyle. Each individual who encounters Dumbledore is aware of the man’s extraordinary competence, his prowess in the arts of magic, his complete commitment to integrity, and the loving protection of all those he comes in contact with. Doesn’t that sound like the best aikidoist that never existed?

If this notion intrigues you, reread a Harry Potter book and look for the aikido principles used throughout Dumbledore’s appearances. Who knows, you could learn to get more of those principles working for you in everyday life.