IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. In aikido studies, there has been much discussion of aikido from an individual and interpersonal perspective, but there has been insufficient discussion of aikido’s unique traditional non-competitive group-practice method and the reasons to continue them over the long term.
Problem and aim. In aikido, many practitioners voluntarily continue long-term practice using the traditional non-competitive group-practice method. In this study, we hypothesize that this practice method is a type of cooperative learning that promotes intrinsic motivation, and clarify the mechanism of practice continuation through its verification and analysis.
Material and methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 intermediate and advanced aikido practitioners. The results of these interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis using both deductive and inductive approaches for the verification of the hypothesis and further analysis.
Results. The deductive analysis confirmed that all five essential components of cooperative learning, which substantiate the non-competitive group-practice method as a type of cooperative learning, are practiced. The inductive approach also revealed five external factors that influence the effectiveness of the group-practice in aikido.
Conclusions. Aikido’s traditional non-competitive group-practice method was supported as a form of cooperative learning. As a mechanism for continuing practice, this group-practice as cooperative learning, has created an intrinsic motivation for practitioners to continue practicing voluntarily over the long-term. In addition, five external factors influenced the effectiveness of this group-practice.