Aikido's basic movement is the circle. Whether the practitoner uses weapons such as katana(sword) ,yari(lance) ,or bo(staff) his movements are circular; as if drawing circles in the air. At times the movements may resemble a half-circle.

 

Other times the practitoner may cut/slash from top to bottom, right to left,

or in a spinning motion. However, all of these movements are made with the circular form in mind. The flow of "ki"(energy) is always circular.

 

In order to offset the "uke's" (opponent's) center,the practitioner does not

aim directly for his center. Instead, the practitioner aims to change the direction of the uke's ki by using a circular movements.This returns the opponent's energy back towards him; resulting in offsetting his balance. The principles of leverage are also applied in offsetting an uke's balance.

 

Aikido's philosophy requires practitioners to learn this art with open hearts and open minds. One of the major tenets is to treat the uke with care (whether he is your partner or opponent). This discipline is not about being able to hurt others just to be able to claim one's strength. True Aikido requires one to realize this.

 

I often tell practitioners that Aikido is based in technique, not physical strength.

Even if a person understands this reasoning, I often find that people practice Aikido relying on muscular strength without even realizing it.

 

The Tenshin Dojo has undergone some turbulent politacal changes in the recent past.

Through these hard times I have come to realize the true nature of Aikido which our founder O-SENSEI (Morihei Ueshiba) spoke of. The culmination of my experiences; this Aikido is what I'd like to trad to all who enter the Tenshin Dojo.

 

 

Head instructor of aikido tenshin dojo

 

Miyako Fujitani