It is apparent why aikido is considered “The Art of Peace;” it is a process of unifying differences. As aikidoka, we learn to maintain proper balance through the maintenance of relations. Like breathing—an inhale followed by an exhale—complimentary relations constitute the equilibrium of our universe. We realize that life is a constant process of back and forth, give and take.

Consider the relationship between sempai (a more experienced student) and kohai (the newer student of the two); focus your attention on the benefits each give to and take from one another. While one offers insight, the other offers freshness. While both offer different things to each other, they combine to make one relation, inseparably bound to one another through the process of learning. There lies an undeniable dependence; one grows stronger within the accompaniment of the other.