AIKIDO
Principles & Basic Body Movements
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Aikido
Principles
Aikido techniques are guided by fundamental principles that shape how movements are applied in practice. These principles emphasize efficiency, adaptability, and harmony, ensuring that techniques flow naturally without relying on brute force. By mastering these principles, practitioners can execute techniques with precision and control.
In addition to principles, Aikido relies on fundamental body movements to apply techniques effectively. These movements allow practitioners to position themselves advantageously, redirect attacks, and maintain balance in dynamic situations. Together, these principles and body movements form the foundation of Aikido practice.
合 気 道
Kokyu-ho exercise
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Blending, Not Clashing
(Awase 合わせ)
Instead of opposing force, Aikido techniques emphasize blending with an opponent’s energy to lead an attack into a controlled direction. Awase ensures smooth, natural movement, preventing unnecessary resistance.
Flow & Circular Motion
(Ki no Nagare & En no Ugoki)
This principle ensures that all Aikido techniques are executed smoothly and continuously, following natural flow and circular paths.
- Ki no Nagare (気の流れ) – Flowing Techniques: Practitioners must move without interruption, maintaining motion even after a technique is applied.
- En no Ugoki (円の動き) – Circular Motion: Every movement in Aikido should follow a circular or spiral path, avoiding rigidity and direct resistance.
By applying this principle, practitioners move naturally, prevent stagnation, and use redirection instead of force.
Centering & Stability
(Hara 腹 & Chūshin 中心)
All movement in Aikido originates from the Hara (center of gravity, 腹), located in the lower abdomen. Maintaining Chūshin (central balance, 中心) prevents unnecessary movement and ensures strong, stable execution of techniques.
Non-Aggression & Compassion (Fudoshin & Aiki)
Aikido is a non-aggressive martial art that seeks to neutralize conflict rather than dominate opponents.
- Fudoshin (不動心 – Immovable Mind): A state of mental stability and calmness, ensuring techniques are applied with control and presence of mind.
- Aiki (合気): Applying harmony to resolve conflict rather than fighting against resistance.
Open Mind
(Jūnan na Kokoro 柔軟な心)
Adaptability is key in Aikido. A flexible mind (Jūnan na Kokoro) allows practitioners to remain open and responsive, adjusting techniques fluidly rather than reacting with rigidity.
Unifying Mind & Body
(Shin-Gi-Tai 心技体)
For techniques to be effective, Shin (mind, 心), Gi (technique, 技), and Tai (body, 体) must work in harmony, creating natural and effortless execution.
Source: Best Aikido – The Fundamentals by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Aikido
Basic Body Movements
Tai Sabaki (体捌き) is the fundamental body movement in Aikido that enables practitioners to evade, redirect, and control attacks without relying on brute force. Proper footwork and positioning allow smooth transitions between offense and defense while maintaining balance and control.
Rather than direct collision, Tai Sabaki focuses on repositioning to a safer, more advantageous position. It allows practitioners to lead an opponent’s energy, neutralize attacks, and set up techniques effectively by evading instead of blocking, redirecting force through circular movement, maintaining stability, and controlling distance. Tai Sabaki consists of several essential movements, each serving a specific tactical function in Aikido.
合 気 道
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Irimi (入身) – Entering
Irimi means “entering” and involves moving directly toward the opponent’s centerline to control their balance and neutralize the attack. This movement is decisive and direct, allowing the practitioner to take control of the opponent’s position and prevent further aggression. Irimi is often executed with atemi, or strikes, to disrupt the opponent’s stability and create an opening for technique application.
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Tenkan (転換) – Turning
Tenkan means “turning” and involves pivoting to the side while maintaining connection with the opponent. Instead of confronting an attack directly, the practitioner rotates their body, moving around the force to evade and redirect it. This movement ensures that control is maintained without engaging in direct opposition, allowing for a smooth transition into a counter technique.
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Tenkai (転回) – Inside Rotation
Tenkai is a variation of Tenkan that involves a deeper inward rotation. Instead of simply pivoting away from the attack, the practitioner moves inside the opponent’s movement, staying close while maintaining control. This inward rotation creates opportunities for techniques that require close proximity and direct engagement with the opponent’s energy.
Source: Aikido – The Contemporary Art of Harmony by Doshu Ueshiba Moriteru.
Tenshin (転身) – Shifting
Tenshin means “body shifting” and refers to moving diagonally or backward to reposition and create space while maintaining readiness for counterattacks. This movement prevents direct impact with an attack while keeping the practitioner in a stable and balanced position. It is an essential footwork method for maintaining distance control and ensuring flexibility in response to an opponent’s movements.
