Principles of Aikido

True Victory is Victory Over Oneself

One must first learn to control oneself before attempting to harmonize and control others. Without a good
balance and control of oneself, one can neither avoid an attack nor apply an effective technique on others. It
is through self-control that one can learn to enjoy a harmonious way of life.

Principle of Oneness

In order to harmonize with the laws of nature, we must first learn to develop and maintain the right attitude of
training. We must always keep the attitude of becoming one with every situation. This is an attitude of
respect for all things at all times. Regardless of the situation, friend or foe, one must always be ready to
harmonize. The right attitude greatly affects the efficiency of the action. It is not how strong, but rather how
correct you are that counts. This concept of oneness will make it possible for anyone regardless of age or
sex to perform the arts efficiently.

Principle of Circular Motion

The spiritual circle is the foundation of all Aikido techniques. Circular movement synthesizes everything and
can freely resolve all problems. The innermost study of the circular motion is to develop new techniques from
the center of the circle. Aikido techniques are combinations of circular movements. Regardless of the ways
the opponent attacks, linear or angular, a circular motion centered at your lower abdomen, hara, will
naturally blend with the attack so that you can execute a controlling art with efficiency. The centripetal force
will draw the opponent into your range of effectiveness so that the centrifugal force can eject him effectively.
All circular motions are preceded by a spiritual circle. The spiritual circle is the circle drawn within one's
mind before the execution of the physical circle.

Range of Effectiveness

The best way to defend yourself against an attack is to get out of the opponent's range of effectiveness. You
can step off the line of force, move out of the opponent's radius of reach or step inside of the circle of attack.
However, in order to be able to control an attacker, one must remain well within his/her own range of
effectiveness at the same time he/she is moving out of the attacker's range of effectiveness. Barely reaching
the attacker will not give the defender full advantage for he/she will be over extended and off balance. Being
too close to the attacker could also hinder one's effectiveness. Depending on the situation, one must learn to
realize the range of effectiveness of that moment.

Principle of Ki

Ki is the force behind all things. Everything in the universe has Ki. Ki is the essence of our world. It is the
basis of all matter, every phenomenon, emotion, sense, direction, will, consciousness and conscience. Ki is
also an energy which can be very useful in our daily lives when used properly. Ki is our life force which
keeps us alive. Ki is the binding force of our mind and body. We can be very efficient if we unify our mind
and body. However, it is rather difficult to maintain the oneness of mind and body throughout our daily lives
without something to bind them together. As electricity keeps the computer and the robot working together,
Ki keeps the mind and the body working in oneness.
 
 

THE PRINCIPLES TO UNIFY MIND AND BODY

Keep One-Point

Calmly let your mind settle at an imaginary point about two inches below the navel.

Controlled Relaxation

Relax your entire body to the point where you are able to maintain complete control of yourself by keeping
calmness of mind and body between tenseness and limpness.

Settle Down

Naturally allow the gravitational pull to settle your entire body down to where it should settle.

Let Your Ki Flow

To think positively and be ready for action with a calm and flexible mind without referring to excessive
physical strength. A positive attitude toward life.