Abstract

The art of Aikido involves more than just learning a set of techniques – it’s a commitment to a way of being in the world. Aikidoka are encouraged to consider the techniques and extend this new knowledge beyond the dojo (a space for studying a ‘dō’ or ‘way’). This paper explores the conceptual possibilities of blending Aikido theories with collaborative design processes, beyond the conventional dojo setting, within a design context. In an increasingly cross-disciplinary future, designers need new process leadership skills in order to successfully collaborate within social and collective contexts. Through the theoretical lens of grounded theory methodology, the research investigates the Aikido dojo as a case study site for an exemplary community of practice: a space where people engage in a collective practice for learning and transformation. In order to understand these implications a series of semi-structured interviews were undertaken with leading international Shihan* at the ‘New Zealand Aikikai* 40th Anniversary Gasshuku’ in 2010. The findings weave together a range of perspectives in order to begin developing a framework for thinking about ‘co-creative practice’ – interlinking theory and action – as an embodied theory of co-creation.