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Final Reflections

Colton M. Stanley

College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University

OGL 340: The Aikido Way

Dr. Michael Pryzdia

11/29/2023
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Prompt 1:

Module one allowed me to learn from two of the most influential leaders who sought to make

change in a peaceful and non-violent way. Nelson Mandela as portrayed in the movie,

“Invictus”, sought to move his country away from the sentiments of the apartheid government.

He accomplished this by unifying the South African people through their national rugby team.

Turning the team into a symbol not of racial pride, but of national pride. The clip from the

movie, “Gandhi”, on the other hand, portrayed him as a leader that does not abide by retribution.

One of his followers had killed a muslim child as revenge for his son’s death at the hands of

muslims. Gandhi told the man that the only way he would be forgiven is if he raised a muslim

child whose parents were killed. But he had to raise the child as a muslim. Gandhi wanted to

teach his followers that we must strive to understand those we perceive as our enemy. And in

doing so, we will be able to find common ground. From these two portrayals, I have determined

that I must try to understand the point of view of those who I am in conflict with to seek a better

solution that is neither black or white.

Prompt 2:

Module 2 introduced the principles of Aikido and how they can be used to resolve conflicts in

life. This module had me learn the practice of centering. To focus within and evaluate everything

around me. Relating this exercise to conflict resolution, focusing on my center allowed me to see

the conflict as it is. To not lean to one side or the other and come to an understanding of the

conflict in its entirety.

Prompt 3:

Module 3 taught me how to “spit out the hook” to understand your reaction to verbal attacks that

are able to “hook” you. Then instead of reacting negatively to such attacks, I had to “spit out the
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hook” by accepting the gift of energy and keeping myself centered. Then ask questions to better

understand the opposition’s point of view of why they think that way. What the event is that

made them feel that way and their reaction, how they are feeling because of it. I found this

exercise to be difficult as I am a bit prideful and I don’t take insults well. It took me some time

before I could maintain my center and actually “spit out the hook”. As for the quizzes in this

class, I feel that they are fair. They cover plenty of the key points in each module and require me

to understand them or at least to read through the pertinent passages in the book to further my

understanding.

Prompt 4:

I found that I was able to learn the H.E.A.R. skill easily. I have always been an attentive listener.

So most of the aspects of the model were natural to me. As for if I think the H.E.A.R. model is

redundant, I don’t think so. The H.E.A.R. model establishes itself as a good guideline to ensure

that we are practicing active listening. Especially when conflict is involved, we may not wish to

listen to the opposition. We may become too angry to really care what is being said. The

H.E.A.R. model gives us a rational model to follow. Allowing us to handle the conflict more

rationally while making the effort to actually listen to the opposing side.

Prompt 5:

I had the most difficulty with the “Burn Clean” model. The model required me to be assertive in

my point. But I am a passive individual who has difficulty making their point heard. So, I had

difficulty in practicing this skill. Though I fully understand the merits of the model. To be able to

get your point across in conflict without “casting hooks” and getting your opponent angry or

feeling attacked is a necessary skill to have. But I found that I need to work on my confidence if

I want to use this skill effectively.

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Prompt 6:

The “Say Yes” model was an interesting one to learn. It focused on teaching mediation

techniques. I was able to use the skills taught in this module to some effect by acting as a

mediator between two of my co-workers who were having an argument. It took some working

out, but I was ultimately able to get them to an understanding and come up with a solution that

both of them could be satisfied about. Similarly to the “Burn Clean” model, I will need to work

on my confidence and experience in working with the “Say Yes” model. But I feel that once I

have developed those, then I will be able to use both in the future to address any conflicts that I

am involved in.

Prompt 7:

I had a lot of fun in this course. Every module had me work through different exercises that

really made me think about how conflicts are addressed and taught me better ways in how to

address them. The workload in this course was fair. It was a little challenging to perform the

exercises with my peers on such short-notice each week. But fortunately my co-workers were

more than willing to help. But overall, I learned a lot about conflict resolution and am more

confident in my ability to handle conflict moving forward.