Aikido Techniques: Ki the Power Which Lies Just Under the Surface
Luke learns about the Force from Obi Wan - Ki and the Force?
Those of us familiar with Star Wars know that the “Force” is an invisible energy field that “flows through us”. Many Aikido practitioners believe that ki energy is similar in that it goes to the heart of the power of Aikido. Two concepts, which help us understand this power include:
-The Unbendable Arm
-A Relaxed the Mind through Breathing
The Aikido Technique of “the Unbendable Arm” to Illustrate the Principle of Ki Extension
The Unbendable Arm – Students ask “how can we know if we are developing ki?” Just as the Force is this invisible power, we can imagine the magnitude of ki power as the mass of an iceberg, which lies just under the surface of the ocean. Ki flows through the healthy body continuously and can be redirected to focus
power in a specific location and direction. The unbendable arm (Orenaite) is the method we use to illustrate the principle of ki extension. Fundamentally, the mind imagines that ki is like water being directed from the one-point or center in through the mind and out an extended arm as if to put out an imaginary fire. The student sees that this “flow” keeps that arm unbendable to a much greater degree than the use on conscious strength.
The video below illustrates the unbendable arm.
Relax Completely: One of the Four Basic Principles of Aikido Techniques
A Relax Your Mind through Breathing – Ki training involves exercises which help to unify the mind and body. Misogi breathing is such an exercise. Having similarities to Zen meditation, the student sits with good posture and imagines the inspired breath goes through the nose and fills the one-point. The exhalation follows the same path except that the breath leaves the mouth with an “ahhh”. As we focus on the breathing, extraneous thoughts fade away and permit the mind to relax. Through this exercise the mind learns to control the body even in stressful situations. In the ideal situation, the student can perform this relaxed, rhythmic breathing even after a strenuous workout when the urge to gasp is high.
Like the Force, Ki energy is invisible and it is the source of power for Aikido techniques. It is optimized when the mind is relaxed. Misogi breathing helps the student to develop ki energy to tap the enormous power, which lies just under the surface.
