What is Aikido? Literally translated Aikido means, "The Way to Union with Ki." Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido means training in Aikido with Mind and Body Unified. Ki-Aikido is training in Aikido with full application of Ki energy. When a person is threatening another with physical force, Aikido techniques can be used to subdue this person. An experienced Aikidoist, when attacked, can effectivly control the attacker by leading the attacker's mind. From childhood to adulthood we are taught to fight fire with fire, aggression with aggression. Even if we do not become physically violent, we usually become emotionally upset when faced with conflict. These negative feelings add up and create unhappiness in our lives which is unhealthy for us, our friends, and families. In Aikido class we learn, with the help of experienced teachers, that calmly following the five principles of Ki-Aikido allows us to solve the problem of out-of-control aggression, without losing control of ourselves emotionally or physically. Clear of negative, fearful and angry feelings, our whole lives become lighter, clearer and happier. This is one level of Aikido training.What is the nature of our training? We are all born of the Ki of the Universe, which means that everything is Ki. The Universe condensed becomes an individual. Literally everything, all of us, are connected to each other through the universal Ki. We are all born/made of the same stuff, Ki of the Universe. Most of us begin Aikido because we are looking for a self-defense or a more spiritual martial art. Shin-Shin Toitsu Aikido is different from other forms of Aikido, because we focus on Mind and Body Unification. We train to be One with the Universe by using Breathing, Meditation, Ki Development Exercises, and Aikido techniques which allow us to lead another's Ki to a peaceful solution in any conflicting situation. We train our personality and character, while we train in Aikido, so that we can deal with the many challenging situations in daily life.
From The Way to Union with Ki by G. Andrew LeBar
| 1. Ki is extending. | 4. Put yourself in your opponent's place. |
| 2. Know your opponent's mind. | 5. Lead with confidence. |
| 3. Respect your opponent's Ki. |