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About

Hello, and thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.

I’m Gareth Hughes. I started Harmony in Motion as a way of journaling my experiences of Aikido, the arts, and everyday life through the lens of non-duality.

I began studying Aikido in 2014. Over time, I realised that Aikido isn't simply about learning techniques. It is a practice of self enquiry that challenges our assumptions about who we are and invites us to experience life with a feeling of peace and happiness.

As a professional jazz musician, I’m continually struck by the parallels between Aikido and music. Both invite us to move beyond the limitations of the ego, becoming fully present in the moment and allowing the art to emerge with a natural spontaneity.

In a world that often seems defined by conflict and division, I believe Aikido’s message is more relevant than ever. In my own small way, I hope that my blog becomes a positive contribution to the sharing of Aikido.

I practise at Congleton Aikido Club under the instruction of Simon McAsey Sensei.

Congleton Aikido Club Link

Blog Posts

Thinking Of Quitting Aikido? - Read This First!

If you practise Aikido for long enough, you’ll notice a pattern. People come and go. Some arrive full of enthusiasm and then disappear a few months later. Others leave unexpectedly, even those you were certain would train forever. Eventually, if you stay on the path long enough, you’ll probably find yourself asking the same question they did: Should I Quit Aikido? At some point in every Aikido journey, things become difficult. Progress is never a straight line. There are peak

Your First Aikido Class

If you’re considering going along to your first Aikido class, you might be feeling a little nervous. Don’t worry, it's completely normal to be aprehensive. To help put you at ease, I’ve written a few words about what to expect and some tips to help you make a good impression. What Is An Aikido Class Like? Aikido classes have a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Everyone on the mat remembers what it was like to be a beginner, and they’ll do their best to help you feel welcome

What Is Ukemi?

In Japanese, ukemi (受身) literally means “receiving body”. The Uke is the partner who initiates an attack, receives the technique and lands safely. When I’ve visited other dojos, I've often heard instructions that Uke should physically push into Tori in order to create connection. To me, this doesn’t make sense. If I have to connect with my partner by pushing into them, then surely I was disconnected before the technique started? Why would I spend most of my life existing as a

Aikido: A Lifelong Practice.

Whenever someone walks through the dojo doors for their first Aikido class, I would wonder what they’re hoping to find. They could be looking for confidence, fitness or self-defence. Maybe they’re searching for a new hobby or a sense of belonging. Perhaps beneath all of these reasons there is a quieter feeling: that something is missing, or that there is something more to discover. My reason for starting Aikido was simple: I wanted to earn a black belt. I imagined that it wou

Masakatusu Agatsu: True Victory Is Victory Over Oneself.

Like so many practices, Aikido contains many levels of understanding. Let us take the phrase Masakatsu Agatsu — “true victory is victory over oneself” and examine it on three different levels. A Basic Level Of Understanding When we first encounter the phrase “true victory is victory over oneself”, it is often understood in a very practical way. We may interpret it as learning to regulate our thoughts and desires, letting go of bad habits and cultivating healthier ones. It can

The Posture Of Presence

The Posture Of Presence Over the last year, I’ve been thinking about how my posture affects my mental focus — and how something so simple can bring me back to a more centred feeling. I first noticed this in my Aikido practice. If I lean too far forwards, it not only affects my balance but also reveals something subtle inside — an intention to throw my partner from a dualistic state of me versus you, rather than moving as one. When intention becomes too strong, I tip forward m

The Most Deflating Moment Of My Aikido Life

The Most Deflating Moment Of My Aikido Life When I look back on my Aikido journey, one moment stands out — and not for the reasons you might expect. It wasn’t a triumph, a breakthrough, or a beautiful technique. It was the moment I passed my black belt grading. After a long week of training at summer school, my body was broken. My knee had gone completely, strapped up and aching with every movement. I was in so much pain for my grading and adding to my discomfort was my Uke w

Aikido – Does It Work On The Streetz?!

Aikido – Does It Work On The Streetz?! There’s an endless debate online about whether Aikido is “effective.” People continually ask: Does it work on the streets? Could it hold up in a real fight? I sometimes wonder if the question itself needs reframing. Instead of asking whether it works in a fight, perhaps we should ask: “Can I bring my Aikido practice into daily life?” And, most importantly: “Can I live in a way where conflict no longer arises?” I believe the essence of Ai

Beyond the Cut: What Weapons Practice Really Teaches Us

Beyond the Cut: What Weapons Practice Really Teaches Us When I first started Aikido, I was drawn to the idea of training with weapons. The thought of owning my own Japanese samurai sword and being someone who could swoosh it around looking like a hard nut – I’m embarrassed to say – had a certain appeal. As my understanding of Aikido’s principles developed, I came to see weapons practice as a tool to help refine my form and apply the movements to taijutsu (empty-handed practic

A Journey Into Aikido: From Health Goals to Lifelon Practice.

A Journey Into Aikido: From Health Goals To Lifelong Practice Upon turning 30, I realised that I was at the point in my life where I needed to take control of my health. I didn’t want to reach 40 or 50 and find myself so unhealthy that it affected my quality of life. I felt that if I made changes now, perhaps I could maintain the good health that I had so far taken for granted. I had never been particularly sporty, but I remembered enjoying martial arts as a child. I briefly