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Respect for Individual Difference - Aikido places no constraints on body size, gender, age or natural abilities. It can be learned by anyone regardless of body type or physique. Its principles are constant but no two practitioners look alike as each is discovering and developing their unique grace in accordance with natural principles of movement. Aikido also helps us approach each individual and circumstance differently applying its principles in ways appropriate to the uniqueness of the moment and training partner. Aikido's principles are simple yet their application is highly contextual.
Non-competition - Aikido focuses on self development without reference to external trophies or competitive contests. Greater self mastery is its own reward. At a deeper level, Aikido teaches the effectiveness of working with, as opposed to against an attacker's power and, therefore, transcends the need for a win-lose mindset. This is not to say that training is not rigorous or exacting - it is very much so - but the pursuit of improvement does not rely on competitiveness or displays of ego.
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