Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

A question that has long been on my mind. After reading Copeland Sensei's notes I still find myself questioning...what are the principles. While that work could act as a guide, it is far from a complete thought.



So I suggest turning to the dictionary to understand what does this word principle mean?

I found 4 definitions that can help in this search for the principles of Aikido


a determining characteristic of something; essential quality
a fundamental, primary, or general law or truth from which others are derived
a personal or specific basis of conduct or management
an adopted rule or method for application in action


So from my eye it looks....

1. a principle defines WHAT is Aikido - or what is not.
2. general condition that is a requirement for all aiki expression
3. etiquette, training philosophy
4. best practices


Using this as a general framework I combed through the net looking up everyone's list of principles. Most of it was garbage. But I clicked, pasted and deleted came up with a general rough outline for exploration of this idea.










Historical principles



By Stanley Pranin
- Aikido is a discipline based on the martial art and philosophy of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei
- Aikido has a core of techniques which constitutes the physical manifestation of the art (ikkyo through yonkyo, shihonage, iriminage, kokyunage, etc.)
- Aikido is basically defensive in nature
- There exists in Aikido an ethical concern for the well-being of the attacker beyond a preoccupation with self-defense


Philosophical principles

Use of internal strength - Ki energy
“Maximum efficiency with minimum effort"
“Mutual benefits”
"Mushin Mugamae" - "a state of mind that is free , no stance"
Yin yang
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.

- There exists in Aikido an ethical concern for the well-being of the attacker beyond a preoccupation with self-defense - No unnecessary harm
Transcend victory and defeat
Chaos to order
Cannot underestimate the human potential



Physical principles

The control of Self
True Victory is Victory Over Oneself
Take, for example, the combative stance (kamae). In Daito-ryu there is in fact no kamae: it is rather a “kamae without kamae.- Katsuyuki Kondo
1) Keep One Point
(2) Relax Completely
(3) Keep Weight Underside
(4) Extend Ki
Center/hara/haragei
7. Power from center.
7.1. Energy from gravity.
7.2. Higher grade of energy.
7.3. Tension and compression.
7.4. Posture stays centered.
7.5. No torsion.
7.6. Good body mechanics.

Metsuke - not just to see in the normal sense, but to gain insight, discernment, perception and precognition
Kokyu – proper breathing
Unbendable arm


In relationship to Others

Blending not clashing
never to oppose strength to strength
Avoid Attack
Off line

Consistent with what Uke is attempting to do. Use his effort.
Kuzushi
Structural Stability and Instability.

Ma-ai
Zanshin
Principle of Circular Motion
Atemi, irimi,
Rise and Fall of Body
timing
Every technique has built in a way to defeat it.





Training philosophy


The first is etiquette (reigi). Budo has always been said to begin and end with etiquette. If this is lost you are left with bad manners; if it is deliberately ignored you have nothing but insolence. This is the cause of much trouble and should not be allowed to happen. From Katsuyuki Kondo
Uke provides honest responses.
Recognize and accept responsibility for your contribution to failure.
Practice for success