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Aikido Principles I

by drjimw

The Four Principles to Unify Mind and Body:

  1. Keep One-Point: Send your mental focus to your “hara”, the center of your body located about two inches below your navel; just be aware of that spot.
  2. Relax: Let go of all muscular tension except for what is needed to execute a particular action; stay loosely in control.
  3. Settle Down: Don’t stay upset or uptight; let the relentless force of gravity help you to calm down.
  4. Let Your Ki Flow: allow your energy, power, voice, personality, and influence to flow out of your mind, eyes, mouth, hands, and behaviors; trust yourself.

If you do any of the four principles, the others will join in. Beginning from a state of controlled, centered relaxation, you may rest assured that your muscles and mental energies will activate themselves just the right amount to guide your actions effectively. When you feel calmly centered, you are likely to do your best in any situation.

Additional Principles:

  1. Aikido means “way of life through harmony with Nature”. Practice oneness. Blend with other people and circumstances, with empathy and spherical movements, in order to guide them toward peaceful resolutions.
  2. Shodo-o-Seisu means “control the first move”. Do not start an altercation or attack an antagonistic or argumentative person; but react reflexively and self-protectively thereafter. Be assertive, not passive or aggressive, when faced with conflict.
  3. Hitoashi Yokete means “step aside . . .” Don’t get hit and hurt. Take evasive action to protect your body and feelings. Turn, walk, or even run away if necessary.
  4. Sotsu Sen Kyu Ko means “perform with confidence”. Avoid arrogance or self-doubt; apply self-assurance with a dose of humility. Win without fighting.
  5. Masakatsu Agatsu means “true victory is victory over oneself”. Stay calm in emergencies. Periodically touch base with the Four Principles to optimize self-control. Accept self-responsibility for your choices and actions.

Specific self-defense strategies and techniques take years of training to develop. These principles, however, can be applied to enhance the quality of everyday life.