Aikido…gesundheit.

Source: Me Myself and I

So it’s a new year and for most people that means resolutions…which if history teaches anything will be pursued in earnest and abandoned by Spring.  So instead of joining an overpriced gym with lots of mirrors and shiny chrome or taking up running in the dark and cold months or buying that treadmill/exercise bike/coat hanger, why not change the path you are on?

As a woman I love dearly would say, “Blah, blah, blah” or “whatever.”  But I’m serious.  On the eve of my 40th birthday I returned to the Martial Arts.  Not because I am not more than capable of protecting myself and children on the street or because I intend to hang out in bars and fight, but because like many people I am drawn to the more spiritual side of the martial arts.

So what is Aikido and why do I practice it? And why should you care? Aikido is generally accepted as the martial art the Samurai (think Japan’s feudal period cowboys but really so much more) would have practiced and may have practiced.  Modern Aikido is a blending of ancient Jiu Jutsu, Judo and sword and bo staff (is that a bo staff or are you happy to see me?) practice.

Kinokawa ryu is a form of Aikido that emphasizes the unconditional acceptance and blending of energy (Ki). Its focus is to achieve the unification of mind, body and spirit into one movement with total concentration and purpose.  Kinokawa means “River of ki” or ” River of spirit”. Kinokawa ryu, unlike other forms of Aikido, believes in the realistic application of Aikido as a martial art and as a path for spiritual growth. In addition, Kinokawa ryu practitioners believe and follow the “Five Principles of Aikido” as taught by O’Sensei and the “Four Principles to Unify Mind and Body” as taught by Koichi Tohei.

The Five Principles of Aikido (as taught by O’Sensei)  1. Aikido is the path that joins all paths of the universe throughout eternity; it is the Universal Mind that contains all things and unifies all things.  2. Aikido is the truth taught by the universe and must be applied to our lives on this earth. 3. Aikido is the principle and the path that join humanity with the Universal Consciousness.  4. Aikido will come to completion when each individual, following his or her true path, becomes one with the universe.  5. Aikido is the path of strength and compassion that leads to the infinite perfection and ever-increasing glory of God.  Lofty goals for certain, but if you are setting the bar, why not set it as high as possible?

Four Principles to Unify Mind and Body (as taught by Koichi Tohei) Mind and body were originally one. Do not think that the physical power you have is the only power you ordinarily use to live and grow. The power you ordinarily use is like the small, visible segment of an iceberg. When we unify our mind and body and become one with the universe, we can use the great power that is naturally ours.  1. Keep one-point  2. Relax completely 3. Keep weight underside 4. Extend Ki.

Sounds different? It is.  Powerful and graceful and serene, which if you think about it really is the best way to approach what life throws your way.  For more information check out the dojo (school) to which I belong http://www.kinokawa.org/. Browse the intertubes.  Look for yourself.  Don’t just find your way for 2-3 months, find it for life.

Okay, no charge for the PSA and back to your regularly scheduled programming.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire