I stood there, motionless in as strong a kamae as I could muster, back straight, front knee bent, back leg straight, power in my hands and importantly the eyes. I could feel the salty sweat running down my face and chest in rivulets. In a voice with a military edge to it a command came from the front of the dojo "Kamae no rei". In a single move all student returned to attention. "Rei" boomed another voice and we all humbly bowed and quickly returned  to the edge of the mat and sat in sieza (kneeling position).  Last lesson of the day was over and we all congregated in the cafe aching and in need of rehydration. Discussion followed examining the days training. Of the many points discussed one came through as piercing as an arrow. "Make your Aikido honest!". What had the instructor meant? Was the translation to English accurate? After a little confusion as to what this could mean the power of the simple request came through loud and clear. Perform techniques with honesty, Attack with honesty and spend your life validating that honesty. For to create a dishonest environment is to create a dishonest martial art. A martial art which is less martial and more self flattery. Now, every time that I  step onto the mat I ask myself that self same question "Am I creating an honest environment for my students?"