with persistent and correct training, regular spiritual practices and intellectual pursuits one can come to this. Through the right conversations and through a true master, you can gain the right understanding, and through the right understanding to come to the right work and self-improvement.
The application of aikido principles is also important in everyday life.
All our fears and anxieties are usually triggered by memories of the past or possible future. In martial arts, it is important to emphasize that every moment, every action, feeling, thought, etc. occurs in the present. And it is necessary to be more attentive to the present moment, in which it all happens. And when you begin to live more and more consciously, with a sense of every present moment, unrepeatable and unique, you begin to realize that many small worries, insecurity and fears – it’s just due to not enough attention to the present moment and lack of understanding of this moment in its entirety.
– Ichi-go ichi-e (jap. – one time, one meeting)
Ichi-go ichi-e means «just for this time», «never again» or «one chance in life.» This principle is closely related to Zen Buddhism and the concept of transience, transience in Zen Buddhism. The principle says that nothing happens many times – every meeting, every moment, every action, everything happens only once, and every moment is unique and inimitable. In aikido, the implementation of this principle helps to get rid of the «stiffness», programmed life. As a result, one learns to see the whole space of possibilities, to be more flexible, spontaneous and creative.
The development of this principle can be facilitated by meditative exercises; as well as the sensei should focus on each action – pay attention to what is happening and how partners interact during implementing techniques, pay attention to the entire process of training from the beginning to its completion.
– Katsu hayabi (jap. – victory at the speed of light)
Katsu hayabi is the highest point of martial arts mastery development, when an aikido practitioner achieves spiritual and moral perfection and becomes immune to violence. «Victory» occurs at the speed of light, that is, instantly, because the enemy can not even begin the attack. This action takes place even before the attack begins. To achieve the implementation of this principle, it is necessary to constantly emphasize the students to perform the action without intention. Then it is possible not to react, but to be in the action itself. To do it without thinking at first, and doing it later, and be in the moment and do it spontaneously, be ready for anything.
It is achieved through regular training, and the coach should focus all the time on the lack of thoughts when performing technical methods.
– Masakatsu agatsu (jap. – true victory (is) self victory). One of the principles that was described by the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba said that «the real victory (Masakatsu) is a victory over yourself (AGATSU). The true victory is a self-control. Morihei Ueshiba explained «Masakatsu» as fulfilling one’s mission on earth: «aikido begins with you. Work on yourself and your destiny. Everyone has a spirit that can be purified, a body that can be trained in a certain way, a suitable path to follow. Keep the peace in your own life and apply aikido to everything you encounter. If your work is right, everything will work out and stand the test of time.
– Shinmu fusatsu (jap. – true budo does not kill). It is prohibited in Aikido to kill or damage your opponent in aikido. In training, special attention is paid to the fact that partners are responsible for implementation of techniques. This principle is implemented during quite a long time, because it is necessary to master not only the technical methods, but also to understand the peculiarities of their power, be able to distribute it and take care not to hurt your partner.
– Takemusu – a concept that Morihei Ueshiba developed in the last years of his life. «Take» is the same Japanese symbol as «Bu» in bushido, which means «military». «Musu» means to give birth or create. Sensei used the term «aikido takemusu» as a way to explain the highest level of aikido – the ability to spontaneously use and create effective aikido techniques in any given situation. The highest degree of skill, freedom from technical framework, spontaneous and creative implementation.
This principle should be trained with the help of Randori (free attacks) and Juwaza, regardless of the level of training and duration of the classes. Beginners can devote 5—10 minutes to this principle once a week, for example at one of the trainings. Masters – one of the trainings completely.
– Zanshin (jap. – remaining mind). A state of full attention and constant readiness. In Japanese martial arts, the word «zanshin» is very often used. In aikido, this term can be heard when performing basic movements, aikido techniques, and when performing free techniques (jap. – Jiyūwaza). During aikido practice, the usual method of Zanshin practice is to focus not only on the implementation of techniques with the uke or opponent, but also to keep the attention and see other attackers.
This principle is practiced by practicing the technique with several partners at the same time.
– Yamabiko. The term is supposedly taken from a poem by the founder of aikido. In Japanese folklore it’s a mountain god, spirit and yokai. In literal translation «yamabiko» means «echo.» In aikido, this principle means challenging an attack, not waiting for it. Instead of waiting, for example, for Shemen uchi (frontal attack), we provoke uchi to attack. This is like a natural response, just like when you stretch out your hand to say hello, the other answers you almost automatically. Someone smiles at you, and you smile back. Someone puts their fist to your face, and you pull away or raise your hands.
– Kokyū-Ryoku (jap. – Power of Breath). A basic concept in martial arts based on the idea of breathing power. Morihei Ueshiba said: «The fundamental factor in life is I-KI, «Breathing’. The U kototama unfolds from the sound-seed of the SU, giving form to the breath and exhalation of life. The exhalation is circular, has the form of a water element and is a basis of Breath of the Sky. The breath is a square in the form of a fire element which is a basis of Breath of the Earth occurring deep in the body. Breath of the sky is a breath of the sun, the moon and stars. Breath of the Earth is a breath of ebb and tide. When the Breath of the Sky and Breath of the Earth completely merge, we receive the Human Breath, an inexhaustible source of our life. Breath provides us with the means to pronounce kototama, and the power of breath allows us to perform all techniques of aikido: everything in the sky and on earth breathes. Breathing is the thread that binds the universe. When the countless variations in the breathing of the universe become palpable, separate (individual) techniques are born»6.
Technical principles of aikido
– Hanmi (jap. — half body)
The Hanmi principle describes the idea that in relation to an opponent, the body should always be in a comfortable position. The body should be turned only halfway, then it is possible to protect yourself from attack, to get away from the attack in time and to control your movements freely and quickly.
– Chūshin-ryoku (jap. — center of power).
The Chūshin-ryoku is the center of power. It’s the essence point of aikido. It means «to feel centered» not only physically, but also psychologically. It’s like the «center of spiritual and physical strength» of a man. Having mastered it no matter what situation a person gets into in his or her life, whether it is daily aikido training or life difficulties outside the tatami, one has to learn to be in its center and unite around its spiritual, physical and psychological center.
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