AAikidoikido

and and CConflict onflict RResolutionesolution

Presented by Eric RiversPresented by Eric Rivers

What is Conflict?What is Conflict?Conflict is actual or perceived opposition of

needs, values and interests.

• Conflict can be internal or external.

• Conflict can be physical or verbal.

• Conflicts can be between individuals or groups.

• Conflict is only as negative as your reaction to it.

What Creates Conflict?What Creates Conflict?“Conflict is concerned with difference. If we

were all the same, then there would be little or no conflict.”(Thompson)

• Competition for resources or revenue.

• Competition for control or leadership.

• Competition for attention or affection.

How can a martial art How can a martial art

help you withhelp you with

Conflict Resolution?Conflict Resolution?

"Body awareness is a key to"Body awareness is a key to

resolving conflict and creating harmony. resolving conflict and creating harmony.

By learning how to reduce fight-or-flight physical arousal,By learning how to reduce fight-or-flight physical arousal,

you can reduce your body's urge to use force toyou can reduce your body's urge to use force to

solve problems and enable yourself to think andsolve problems and enable yourself to think and

communicate in a calmer, clearer fashion." (Kotev.)communicate in a calmer, clearer fashion." (Kotev.)

The “3A's” of Conflict ResolutionThe “3A's” of Conflict Resolution

Parties to a conflict must:

AAcknowledge its existence and not avoid or deny it.

AAccept their involvement without making judgments.

AAdapt themselves to ideas that may lead to solutions.(Warner.)

What are the principles of What are the principles of Aikido ?Aikido ?

• Meeting• Blending• Turning• Projecting

How Do These How Do These

Principles Relate To Principles Relate To

Conflict Resolution?Conflict Resolution?

Meeting is when two opposing energies approach one another.

The point of meeting is when you mustAAcknowledge your involvement in the conflict.

Blending is the act of harmonizing opposingenergies into one direction.

The point of blending is when you mustAAccept your role in resolving the conflict

Blending with conflict allows us to see the situation

from the other persons point of view.

Blending also enables us to influence their opinion

from an empathetic position.

Turning is the act of redirecting an opposingenergy around your own stable center.

By turning we demonstrate AAdaptability, andredirect the conflict to a more constructive path

Turning allows us to present other points of view

In a manner that is not contentious.

Turning also dissipates negative energy while

maintaining our own position.

Projecting is the act of directingaggressive energy away from yourself

By projecting we provide a conduit to channelaway the aggressive energy of the conflict.

Projecting moves the situation forward,

beyond the immediate conflict.

By projecting we make others aware of

the possible outcomes of the conflict

and their impact.

““There are no contests in Aikido. There are no contests in Aikido.

A true warrior is invincible becauseA true warrior is invincible because

he or she contests with nothing.he or she contests with nothing.

Defeat means to defeat the mind Defeat means to defeat the mind

of contention that we harbor within.” of contention that we harbor within.”

References

Kotev, S. (2003). Aikido and Conflict Resolution: What's the Connection? Retrieved November 13, 2010 from Aiki Extensions: http://www.aiki-extensions.org/ pubs/ kotev_aikido_conflict.pdf.

Thompson, N. (2010). How conflicts arise. Retrieved November 13, 2010 from humansolutions: http://www.humansolutions.org.uk/ conflict-1.html.

Warner, J. (2007). Aikido and Conflict Resolution. Retrieved November 12, 2010 from Body Mind And Modem: http://www.bodymindandmodem.com/ daily/ conflict.html.