Aikido Techiques: Kiatsu – Ki Extention and the Body’s Power to Heal   Part 1

Aikido Techniques: Ki extension

Most of us, including me, began our martial arts training (my training focused on Aikido techniques) with the intention of learning to defend ourselves from attack.  Many became interested in the martial art of Aikido when they saw Steven Segal Sensei in one of his many movies in which he employed his Aikido Techniques on opponents.

Lessons from Bob Koga Sensei: Aikido Techniques and Philosophy

As time went by lesson from other instructors like Bob Koga Sensei, President of the Koga Institute, began to resonate with me.   One of his lesson described being in control of yourself and your emotions.  He said “if you can’t control yourself, how can you hope to control others?”   These words have stuck with me to this day.  As my training continued, I began to observe other Senseis and compared their fluid motion to my highly intense focus on the use of muscle in my techniques.  I began to apply the principles of Aikido in my daily life by maintaining control of my emotions in verbal encounters, allowing excess energy to flow to my center.  I began to believe that there was more to Aikido Techniques than just how smoothly I could throw someone.

Joseph Campbell: Aikido Techniques and Star Wars

Joseph Campell, author of the book Hero of A Thousand Faces, has often said “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”.  In my case, the teacher was the late B.J. Carlisle Sensei.   This journey continues in Part 2.

Click this link to read about strengthening ki extension through the Aikido technique of misogi breathing.