Aikido Principles

  Training the mind and body is basic to one’s emotional and spiritual well-being. O Sensei had a realization that the true goal of budo is not aggression but love.  

 Ki permeates the universe and inhabits everyone. O Sensei believed the unification of universal and individual ki occurs in Aikido through kokyu, or breath power, and Aikido's flowing, dynamic movement.  

 Nage maintains connection and leads the energy of the attack. Uke's job is to follow and allow completion of the technique. The unique quality of Aikido is nage's ability to lead and uke's ability to follow an opponent's energy.  

 The aikido practitioner blends with the thrust of an attack and neutralizes it. The most basic of all Aikido movements, tenkan is often the first technique practiced in each class.  

Irimi is an Aikido fundamental in which nage slides decisively off the center line with intention. It can be likened to entering the eye of a storm or a surfer entering a wave at the correct time.  

Kokyu is fundamental to all Aikido techniques. It is the breath and rhythm of all things, including the movement of the moon and tides, and planets and stars.