Hmm....one of the age old questions. I wonder if this point was the very one
Danial san was learning from Mr. Miagi (spelling) by painting his fence.

"Martial" - to me means anything that could exibit lethal force.

That definition would say quite easily that Aikido is no exception to the
"Martial" way.

So, we train.

And maybe if the story is true of Usheba Sensei being enlighted enough to
decide NOT to exibit lethal force then we can decide to train hard enough to
have that option ourselves if we so choose.

Typically the people who ask this question are insecure about their "way" of
Aikido and simply need to let go of needing to prove it's value in a physical
since and focus on the deeper meanings.

Granted the deeper meaning won't mean much when you are being attacked in a
real situation.

So, we train.

There is no need to find out, although O'Sensei did by getting in fights with
the Japanese Mafia (See Aikido Shogyu). He, of course admitted in this book
that it was childish at best. Still the need to know existed.

So, I submit you let go completely of wondering and train or go out and find
the mafia wherever you live and pick a fight. I am sure you will find out your
answer.




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