--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's…" description: "\"Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png" --- # Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on… ![“Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why it seems so much like a dance these days. You have to master the very basics solidly, with your body, and then proceed to develop to the higher…” quote by Gozo Shioda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png) > “Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why it seems so much like a dance these days. You have to master the very basics solidly, with your body, and then proceed to develop to the higher levels… Now we see nothing but copying or imitation without any grasp of the real thing…” [Gozo Shioda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gozo-shioda/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Aikido requires mastering fundamentals before higher levels; modern practice often mimics without true understanding. **In simple terms:** Master basics before advancing. Key Takeaway Grounded practice prevents hollow imitation. Themes mart body foundation Mood serious inspirational Type advice observation When to use this quote - training - teaching - personal growth Key Concepts martial arts learning theory skill acquisition Questions to Reflect On - How can you ensure deep learning? - What basics are essential for mastery? A Different Perspective Imitation without depth yields superficial skill. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aikido](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aikido/) [Aikido Dimensionless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aikido-dimensionless-5848377/) [Basics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/basics/) [Body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body/) [Copying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/copying/) [Dance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dance/) [Dues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dues/) [Empty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/empty/) [Higher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher/) [Higher level](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher-level/) [Highest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/highest/) [Hollow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hollow/) [Imitation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imitation/) [Levels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/levels/) [Like Dance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-dance/) [Masters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/masters/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real/) [Real things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-things/) [Seems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seems/) [These days](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/these-days/) [Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today/) [Today Aikido](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today-aikido-5848376/) [Trying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying/) [Your body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/your-body/) ## Related quotes > [To practice Aikido fully you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/to-practice-aikido-fully-you-must-calm-the-spirit-and-go-back-to-the/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/foster-and-polish-the-warrior-spirit-while-serving-in-the-world/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [“We face the enemy and contend with him—if he turns away we let him go. (Page 13).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sadami-yamada/we-face-the-enemy-and-contend-with-him-if-he-turns-away-we-let-him-go/) [Sadami Yamada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sadami-yamada/) > [It took me a long time to reach the decision to retire, actually, from the Art Ensemble. But it seemed more important to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-jarman/it-took-me-a-long-time-to-reach-the-decision-to-retire-actually-from/) [Joseph Jarman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-jarman/) > [Aikido is the Way and Principle of harmonizing Heaven, Earth and Man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/aikido-is-the-way-and-principle-of-harmonizing-heaven-earth-and-man/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [“If you try to learn with your intellect, it is more difficult to absorb the teachings on a deep level. The mind looks at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/if-you-try-to-learn-with-your-intellect-it-is-more-difficult-to/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [No system is better than another, but some are better for certain people. The person makes a system worthwhile, not the other way around.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-r-lansdale/no-system-is-better-than-another-but-some-are-better-for-certain/) [Joe R. Lansdale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-r-lansdale/) > [The air they breathe, being a living element with both physical and psychical properties, carries a subtle vital energy. This in India is named…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-waters/the-air-they-breathe-being-a-living-element-with-both-physical-and/) [Frank Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-waters/) > [When I was young I used to practice a martial art that was a mixture of karate, kung fu, Jujitsu, Yawara Kubotan, Aikido, Okinawan…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-c-brown/when-i-was-young-i-used-to-practice-a-martial-art-that-was-a-mixture/) [William C. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-c-brown/) > [To rid the world of aggression and contention is the purpose of Aikido](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/to-rid-the-world-of-aggression-and-contention-is-the-purpose-of-aikido/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [“To appreciate the best opportunity for attack and defence, you must fully understand the rhythm of movement. (Page 28).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sadami-yamada/to-appreciate-the-best-opportunity-for-attack-and-defence-you-must/) [Sadami Yamada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sadami-yamada/) > [“Aikido practice is a method of incorporating the fundamentals of Great Harmony, Great Love, and Gratitude into one's own heart. To integrate these fundamentals…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/aikido-practice-is-a-method-of-incorporating-the-fundamentals-of/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [“O-Sensei was frequently head to say. 'Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to harmonize…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/o-sensei-was-frequently-head-to-say-aiki-is-not-a-technique-to-fight/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [“Through my willingness to train every day and to dig deep in the after-class ukemi sessions, over time I earned the respect and friendship…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/through-my-willingness-to-train-every-day-and-to-dig-deep-in-the/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [The aikido term ma ai, which means "space harmony" ("ai" is Chinese for "love," and it translates into Japanese as harmonious connection) refers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-gilligan/the-aikido-term-ma-ai-which-means-space-harmony-ai-is-chinese-for/) [Stephen Gilligan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-gilligan/) ## More by Gozo Shioda > [SHUCHU RYOKU - Focus all your energy to one point.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gozo-shioda/shuchu-ryoku-focus-all-your-energy-to-one-point/) [Gozo Shioda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gozo-shioda/) [Explore all 2 Gozo Shioda quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gozo-shioda/) ## More Aikido quotes > [To practice Aikido fully you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/to-practice-aikido-fully-you-must-calm-the-spirit-and-go-back-to-the/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [“Through my willingness to train every day and to dig deep in the after-class ukemi sessions, over time I earned the respect and friendship…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/through-my-willingness-to-train-every-day-and-to-dig-deep-in-the/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [“O-Sensei was frequently head to say. 'Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to harmonize…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/o-sensei-was-frequently-head-to-say-aiki-is-not-a-technique-to-fight/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [“Aikido practice is a method of incorporating the fundamentals of Great Harmony, Great Love, and Gratitude into one's own heart. To integrate these fundamentals…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/aikido-practice-is-a-method-of-incorporating-the-fundamentals-of/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [“To appreciate the best opportunity for attack and defence, you must fully understand the rhythm of movement. (Page 28).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sadami-yamada/to-appreciate-the-best-opportunity-for-attack-and-defence-you-must/) [Sadami Yamada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sadami-yamada/) > [To rid the world of aggression and contention is the purpose of Aikido](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/to-rid-the-world-of-aggression-and-contention-is-the-purpose-of-aikido/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [When I was young I used to practice a martial art that was a mixture of karate, kung fu, Jujitsu, Yawara Kubotan, Aikido, Okinawan…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-c-brown/when-i-was-young-i-used-to-practice-a-martial-art-that-was-a-mixture/) [William C. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-c-brown/) > [The air they breathe, being a living element with both physical and psychical properties, carries a subtle vital energy. This in India is named…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-waters/the-air-they-breathe-being-a-living-element-with-both-physical-and/) [Frank Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-waters/) > [No system is better than another, but some are better for certain people. The person makes a system worthwhile, not the other way around.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-r-lansdale/no-system-is-better-than-another-but-some-are-better-for-certain/) [Joe R. Lansdale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-r-lansdale/) > [“If you try to learn with your intellect, it is more difficult to absorb the teachings on a deep level. The mind looks at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-holiday/if-you-try-to-learn-with-your-intellect-it-is-more-difficult-to/) [Linda Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-holiday/) > [Aikido is the Way and Principle of harmonizing Heaven, Earth and Man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/aikido-is-the-way-and-principle-of-harmonizing-heaven-earth-and-man/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [It took me a long time to reach the decision to retire, actually, from the Art Ensemble. But it seemed more important to me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-jarman/it-took-me-a-long-time-to-reach-the-decision-to-retire-actually-from/) [Joseph Jarman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-jarman/) > [“We face the enemy and contend with him—if he turns away we let him go. (Page 13).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sadami-yamada/we-face-the-enemy-and-contend-with-him-if-he-turns-away-we-let-him-go/) [Sadami Yamada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sadami-yamada/) > [Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/morihei-ueshiba/foster-and-polish-the-warrior-spirit-while-serving-in-the-world/) [Morihei Ueshiba](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/morihei-ueshiba/) > [The aikido term ma ai, which means "space harmony" ("ai" is Chinese for "love," and it translates into Japanese as harmonious connection) refers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-gilligan/the-aikido-term-ma-ai-which-means-space-harmony-ai-is-chinese-for/) [Stephen Gilligan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-gilligan/) [Browse all 66 Aikido quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aikido/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels without even paying their dues. That's why it seems so much like a dance these days. You have to master the very basics solidly, with your body, and then proceed to develop to the higher levels… Now we see nothing but copying or imitation without any grasp of the real thing…", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gozo Shioda" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gozo-shioda/today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s-hollow-empty-on-the-inside/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Aikido" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gozo-shioda/today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s-hollow-empty-on-the-inside/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/917/gozo-shioda-89951_aikido_today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s_2372603.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's hollow, empty on the inside. People try to reach the highest levels…” — Gozo Shioda", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Gozo Shioda", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gozo-shioda/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Today's aikido is so dimensionless. It's...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gozo-shioda/today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s-hollow-empty-on-the-inside/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gozo-shioda/today-s-aikido-is-so-dimensionless-it-s-hollow-empty-on-the-inside/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```