Ueshiba Aikido Victoria, Canada

Ueshiba Aikido e-Reflections

ISSN 1712-2341

August 19, 2005

"Aikido is an unarmed art but the stance we assume is that of a swordsman. In Aikido, we use the hand-sword to thoroughly project and completely manifest Ki in an instant. When the ten fingers of our hands are charged with Ki, it indicates the profound unity of mind, technique, and body."

Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Keeping this in mind, when standing in Hanmi, be conscious of your posture, and extend your hands like Tegatanas (hand-swords).

When extending the leading hand as you move through a technique, it is helpful to be mindful of moving from your centre of gravity (where your belt would be) and letting your energy flow through to your extended finger tips. For example, when performing Shihonage or Iriminage, trace the flow of your leading hand in the air with your extended fingers and you will discover that you are tracing fluid circular patterns; cutting everything around you, if you had been wielding a sword.

Consciously practising all Aikido techniques in this manner conditions and prepares you to move fluidly even when wielding weapons. Eventually, you will realise that there is no difference in the balance, posture and extension of your Ki with or without weapons. Even a decorative hand-fan becomes lethal, and an extension of yourself.

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