Dragon Logo © Trevor Haines
Attributes of the Five Animals: Dragon.
Imagery:
The Dragon is the mystic of the five animals. If tiger were yang, dragon would be yin. Dragon is the "space between the spokes that makes the wheel." The dragon's effectiveness is not from the action it puts forth, but from what it chooses not to do. Aikido founder Uesheba Sensei stated, "Nobody can take away my strength, because I do not use it" -- these are the words of the dragon.
Essence:
Spirit. The Chinese term for spirit is shen. The central core of who we are and what we stand for, define what we are willing to fight for. Purity of spirit is the result of purity of purpose.
Offensive/Defensive:
The dragon is never on the offensive. The dragon has nothing to prove, no contest to win. Two dragons will never find themselves in battle against each other. Defense is the way of the dragon.
Quality of Movement:
Timing. The dragon will patiently wait, then move at the perfect moment leaving his attacking opponent off balance and confused. The dragon understands how to advance and fill the void in space and time so that the attack never reaches its maturity. The dragon senses rhythm, and can harmonize or disrupt depending upon its intent and take control over the spirit of his attacker. The dragon views time as a continuum, moving from past, present, and future without distinction.
Quality of Character:
Wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge. The dragon views from the higher, enlightened plane. The dragon sees beyond the distortion of average human experience, and into the core and center of being and non-being. The dragon is not attached to this world, its views, and its limitations. The dragon utilizes no unnecesary action, and yet nothing is left undone.
Combative Strategy:
The parry is the block of the dragon. Thrust with might against him and it will be as hitting the air. Slash him down with the sword, and suddenly the ground has met you. The dragon will utilize your energies against you. The greater your power, the faster you will be defeated by the dragon.
Stances/Postures:
A natural stance and relaxed posture is all that a dragon will need. A dragon moves only when necessary and only as much as needed. Utility takes precedence over structure. The dragon positions his body in the empty space, and fills the void left by the impatient.
Empty Hand Weapons:
The dragon will rarely strike the opponent. He will let the opponent throw himself to the ground, and will allow his opponent to hit himself with his own weapons, but the dragon has no need for his own strikes. The foot may sweep and the hand will parry, but these are timed as a gentle nudge to finish an off an unbalanced attacker.
Weapons:
The dragon brings no weapons to battle, but utilizes his opponent's or finds a weapon of opportunity in his environment. He is never armed, and thus can not be disarmed.
Attributes of the Five Animals: The Dragon. © 1999 Trevor Haines
The Dragon is the mystic of the five animals. If tiger were yang, dragon would be yin. Dragon is the "space between the spokes that makes the wheel." The dragon's effectiveness is not from the action it puts forth, but from what it chooses not to do. Aikido founder Uesheba Sensei stated, "Nobody can take away my strength, because I do not use it" -- these are the words of the dragon.
Essence:
Spirit. The Chinese term for spirit is shen. The central core of who we are and what we stand for, define what we are willing to fight for. Purity of spirit is the result of purity of purpose.
Offensive/Defensive:
The dragon is never on the offensive. The dragon has nothing to prove, no contest to win. Two dragons will never find themselves in battle against each other. Defense is the way of the dragon.
Quality of Movement:
Timing. The dragon will patiently wait, then move at the perfect moment leaving his attacking opponent off balance and confused. The dragon understands how to advance and fill the void in space and time so that the attack never reaches its maturity. The dragon senses rhythm, and can harmonize or disrupt depending upon its intent and take control over the spirit of his attacker. The dragon views time as a continuum, moving from past, present, and future without distinction.
Quality of Character:
Wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge. The dragon views from the higher, enlightened plane. The dragon sees beyond the distortion of average human experience, and into the core and center of being and non-being. The dragon is not attached to this world, its views, and its limitations. The dragon utilizes no unnecesary action, and yet nothing is left undone.
Combative Strategy:
The parry is the block of the dragon. Thrust with might against him and it will be as hitting the air. Slash him down with the sword, and suddenly the ground has met you. The dragon will utilize your energies against you. The greater your power, the faster you will be defeated by the dragon.
Stances/Postures:
A natural stance and relaxed posture is all that a dragon will need. A dragon moves only when necessary and only as much as needed. Utility takes precedence over structure. The dragon positions his body in the empty space, and fills the void left by the impatient.
Empty Hand Weapons:
The dragon will rarely strike the opponent. He will let the opponent throw himself to the ground, and will allow his opponent to hit himself with his own weapons, but the dragon has no need for his own strikes. The foot may sweep and the hand will parry, but these are timed as a gentle nudge to finish an off an unbalanced attacker.
Weapons:
The dragon brings no weapons to battle, but utilizes his opponent's or finds a weapon of opportunity in his environment. He is never armed, and thus can not be disarmed.
Attributes of the Five Animals: The Dragon. © 1999 Trevor Haines