Ueshiba Aikido Victoria, Canada

Ueshiba Aikido e-Reflections

ISSN 1712-2341

October 24, 2005

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

The alignment of mind, body, spirit (intention/attitude) and ki is first manifest in a disciplined resolution to stand properly in hanmi; with your posture upright and alert. The importance of the extension your intention, mind and body cannot be stressed enough. Being able to adopt basic hanmi well is the beginning of all that follows.

Consider your hands as te-katana, hand swords, and maintain their extension throughout. Wielding your hands as swords, taking the blade-edge of your hands as the blade of the sword, let your hands flow not as a weapon to cut down your opponent but to direct your ki as you perform all Aikido techniques.

If you are able to constantly and consistently extend your ki in this manner, during normal daily practice then eventually wielding the tanto, bokken or jo (including anything to be used as a defensive weapon) in the future will be second nature to you.

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