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While Ki-Aikido does have some more or less official definitions and descriptions I felt it more appropriate for people considering studying this wonderful art under my instruction to have access to my own personal philosophy and tact on the art.
Ki-Aikido is a multidisciplinary approach to living
a full life. Central to it are Tohei Sensei's 4 basic principles:
1. Keep One Point
2. Relax Completely
3. Keep Weight Underside
4. Extend Ki
As I have moved forward in my study of this art
I have discovered that these principles guide not only our physical actions
but also our social interactions. Since they are the basic foundation
of effective, efficient movement and social interaction, one can not value
one principle over another and one cannot have one be present without all
four being maintained. By the same measure, if you don't have one
of these principles established then you have lost all four. Sounds
simple, right? Simple... yes. Easy?.... NO! As my Sensei,
Russell Jones, has often said "Simple does not mean Easy!"
As I have said this is multidisciplinary approach to life. It is not simply a martial art. In may ways it is the physical embodiment of dynamic conflict resolution. Is it a Martial Art? Unequivically it IS a martial art but to say that it is just a martial art is to sell it far short of its effect. It has helped thousands of people deal with conflict effectively and peacefully in a vast number of circumstances. It has helped me in everything from physical confrontation to negotiating with a 2 year old to being more productive at home, at work and in the community.
While all Aikido is generally thought to hold a tendancy toward doing the least harm to an attacker, Ki-Aikido differs in its strong focus on the development of the Spirit. Suzuki Sensei once said "In Ki-Aikido we help people become better human beings, not better fighters." It is this Spirit that I refer to, not some quasi-religious newage meaning. Ki-Aikido is NOT a religion. It does not teach a religious dogma but it does teach that there is a better solution to conflict than violence. In that way it can be seen as a dynamic approach to non-violence. Ki-Aikido also teaches about Ki and Ki development. For an explanation of Ki see the hyperlink to that page.
So is Ki-Aikido a "effective" martial art? Yes. You can cause real harm with the techniques taught in Ki-Aikido. You can avert life threatening and violent situations after years of training. But more importantly, from day one, you can achieve a higher level of awareness of yourself, of others and of the world around you. When in a practice situation the techniques are never done in a way that causes injury and practice usually focuses not only on aspects of self defense but also focuses on the physical rhythm, mental intent and attitudes that influence our behavior on and off the mat. In otherwords, there are things in Ki-Aikido that one can translate into every day life. While you can avoid a punch, kick or other strike and perhaps actually throw someone or pin them, that is not our main focus. If that is your main focus and you find you need it in your daily life and you are not in profession such as being a Peace Officer, I would suggest that there is something else wrong in your life, not just simply a lack of better fire power. If you are a Peace Officer or similar professional in a dangerous job, I can provide special training designed to address your professional needs.
This still does not mean that Ki-Aikido is not an effective martial art. It is the basis the Koga Arrest System, created and taught by Bob Koga, now retired from the Los Angelos Police Department, who studied extensively with Tohei Sensei and has taught essentially Ki-Aikido techniques to hundreds if not thousands of Peace Officers. I have been reduced to nearly begging to be released from mind numbingly intense pins only to find that I am fine once the nage (person applying the technique) releases me. This makes Ki-Aikido an ideal art for Peace Officers who deal with violence on a regular basis and must respond effectively while protecting the aggressor.
But lets not forget one of the biggest reasons for practice... ITS FUN! I always leave feeling better than when I came and I find I smile a lot during the class, laugh a bit and make new friends. At the end I am more relaxed, more at ease, more positive and ready for the next challenge in life.
So what have I gained from my training?
