A few years ago, during an inter-federation seminar, I partnered with an orange belt for one of the techniques we were studying. This is nothing extraordinary, it’s not only common but even desirable in order to improve the quality of the exchange. However, during the whole time we practiced together, this orange belt kept explaining to me how to perform the movements. It may seem strange that an orange belt would offer advice to the fourth dan black belt I was at the time. But at the same time it’s understandable ... First, because some teachers put a little too much weight in the minds of their students on the notion of a "correct movement": the technique must be performed this way and not otherwise. Also, because the beginner has a limited vision of Aikido which can lead him to having certainties, without perceiving the whole range of possibilities that we discover later. So I quietly listened to the advice of the orange belt without disturbing his certainties. An additional reason not to respond was also of course because the mat is a place where one should work in silence.

This story is not unique. On the mat it is common to see beginners explaining to more experienced Aikidoists how to perform a technique. Obviously being able to explain to more senior practitioners that they’ve understood flatters their ego. Remember the story of the bottle gurgling, told here some time ago, it’s exactly the same thing.

Master Nocquet used to say that in Aikido a first dan was a beginner. It is therefore also not surprising to see "first dans", proudly wearing their brand new belts, flaunting their knowledge or even making judgments on more senior practitioners or even their teacher. Technical knowledge comes with the "first dans" we pass and  humility comes, if it comes, later...