It should be obvious, I like Aikido, specifically Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido. Yeah, it’s am mouth full and I cheat by cut and pasting the that really long name into my posts. But why do I like it?
Spiritual Things Come First
Ki moves the Mind which moves the Body
Or, as I know it better from my own Christian heritage…
Spirit rules the Mind which rules the Body
You might say it’s a “first things first” approach to moving and existing.
Not as Many Wacked Out Explanations
Though I believe in spiritual and super natural things I prefer commonplace scientific explanations. Tohei sensei, the founder of Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido also believes this.
The way people most talk about ki these days tends toward the occultish, but I will say that I have never done anything even remotely involving the occult.
Interview with Koichi Tohei (1996) by Stanley Pranin @ The Aikido Journal
And later he also says
[Ueshiba] sensei said of that time, “All the many divine spirits of Heaven and Earth entered my body and I became as immovable as a heavy rock.” Everybody took him literally and believed it. I heard him say that kind of thing hundreds of times.
For my part, I have never had divine beings enter my body. I’ve never put much stock in that kind of illogical explanation.
Interview with Koichi Tohei (1996) by Stanley Pranin @ The Aikido Journal
I like it when I’m told to relax, or concentrate deeper.
Aikido Provides a Framework for Mind and Body Coordination
I’ve talked about What is Mind and Body Coordination elsewhere. But it’s seriously addictive. Being at peace with yourself and existing in the moment are strong motivators.
It’s Immediately Useful
Don’t get me wrong, as a fighting technique, Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido is pathetic–at least when you’re new. But the mental things being taught are immediately useful, especially if you work a job that involves other people. Leading your opponent, respecting your opponent’s Ki, performing with confidence, breathing, getting rid of ‘fighting mind’.
Bad Stuff
This form won’t teach you how to attack (though it will teach you how to not put up with other people’s crap while avoiding a confrontational ‘fighting mind’). It probably won’t get you into shape (yes that is one of the reasons why I’m doing it…but I wanted to set myself up with something easy first)
Well, it should at least be easy for you to transition, if you ever have the desire to, and try a ‘harder’ style of Aikido.
I like the concepts behind ‘ki’ Aikido though.
We tried the unbendable arm, and I will give my 2cents on what I observed.
It appears to be less like magic, obviously, and more about proper technique and positioning.
At one point the arm is in one position and its easier to bend, then from another position it is substantially harder.
Now Im sure you can make it bend anyway, though the angle kind of makes it where you would have to break the elbow.
(Again, how we did it.)
The guys doing this were into this style of Aikido, and ironically into harder arts such as Krav Maga and Russian Knives and subsequently left the dojo.
Be interesting to hear more of your experiences and comments on why you believe the technique works and doesnt work, under which conditions. (how much is technique, and how much is the mind potentially just not trying hard enough to bend the arm, etc.)
So many dynamics involved to be sure.
Peace
dAlen
“It appears to be less like magic, obviously, and more about proper technique and positioning.”
Believe me, I know exactly what you’re talking about. The problem is, that when it’s done right it doesn’t matter what position your arm is in.
In fact you can freely move your arm in and out as you wish but the person testing can’t move it at all, or stop you from moving your arm.
I recognize the difference between when I’m thrown with strength and when I’m thrown with Ki.
When I’m thrown with strength there are opportunities to do other arts, other motions, and go somewhere other than where I’m being lead….but when I’m thrown with Ki, it’s like an irresistible force just plopped me on the ground.
Well I hope to be able to practice with an accomplished ki aikido practitioner one day. Someone that knows the ins and outs, how and why it works – ki vs. strength etc.
Reason being is it may indeed help the form of Aikido I do.
I believe it would help me in the subtilities of movement which would improve and benefit the techniques I already have.
Im only 5th kyu (we have 6) and though I know the techniques, at this point its rough. And I cant help but think that something like ki aikido with more fluidity would help.
But all in its timing. (Still trying to piece together what is working and not working in practice.)
Peace
dAlen
If you don’t mind my asking, where in the world are you? I might be able to ask if there are any dojos near you where you could at least get an introductory lesson.
Believe it or not, everything you really need is taught in that first lesson–everything else after it is moves and forms and practicing Mind and Body Coordination with others who know how to do it.
It’s the mindset that’s most important. At least, that’s what the black belts keep telling me!
Im actually living in the country of Hungary at present.
Ive already checked the official Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido website and there’s not a dojo in the country of this particular style…yes there are some variations which call themselves ‘ki’ Aikido in Budapest – but thats a good 3 hours away.
No problem though, Im sure I will have the opportunity to try this one day…thanks for trying to help set me up with an introductory lesson.
For the time being Ill remain focused on the style Im currently practicing…and incorporate other elements into my training that I learn along the way.
Peace
dAlen