Basic Principles of Aikido

Aikido principles and philosophy

Ai        Harmony, as an overall principle of aikido, merge; it also means love

Ki        Original power, intellectual and spiritual strength, breathing force

Thu      Path, doctrine, philosophy, principle, method
Aikido is a defensive martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba from older forms of martial arts.

Kokoro           Heart, "language of the heart" between the teacher and the student, nage and uke. It also means soul, feeling and inner attitude.

Nin/Shinobu    Patience with the self and with others

Mu                   Absolute nothingness, lack of arrest

Muskin            Absolute serenity of intention (unintentional throws)

Sen-sen-no      Anticipation of the attacker; the moment when the intention to attack the enemy is not identifiable by the movement, intuitive reaction.

Zan-shin          Completion, finality

Ko-kyu            Mental current that accompanies every aikido technique and is present in all aikido lessons (Ko = inhalation, Kyu = exhalation) manifested as breathing force and mental strength

Kokyu-ho        The possibility to lead others by kokyu; breathing force exercise. The attacker is physically or mentally influenced by kokyu. (Ho = law, method, principle)

Kata                Literally, "form", "model", style and perfection, a combination of exercises, fighting a shadow, well-defined and prescribed exercises for the purpose of self-discovery and demonstration. Kata performers dominate the energy of life (as opposed to "waza" = the perception of a technique as a skill and "do" = homage to the philosophical and spiritual aspects)

Hara                Abdomen, physical and spiritual body center, strength center, the center of vital energy (Ki), slightly below the belly button

Kime               Focus, center

Kiai                 Literally, "mind-meeting", penetrating (often crippling) cry that is pressed out through the coordination of the respiration and physical activity in the peak or in the final defense position. Kiai marks the unity of ki, the unity between the spirit and the body.

Awase             Association with the partner’s ki (awaseru = match, connection)

Ki-no-nagare   Ki (energy) flow in advanced aikido techniques; nagare = flow

Families of words or phrases

Ireru                Occur (see Irimi)

Hineru             Bend (see kote hineri)

Juji                   Cross (see juji garami)

Kaesu              Reverse (see gaeshi, kaeshi)

Karamaru        Blow (see juji garami)

Katameru        Fix, immobilize (see katame waza)

Cubic               Neck (see cubic shime)

Mawasu           Twist (see kote mawashi)

Garami            Rotated grip

Osaeru             Dominate, suppress, hold (see tekubi osae)

Otosu              Drop (aiki otoshi = false)

Semeru            Attack (seme = attacker)

Senaka             Back (see seno undo)

Shimeru           Choking (see cubic shime)

Sumi                Corner (see sumi otoshi)

Toma               Great distance from partners (see katate toma uchi)

Toru                 Take (tori = handle)

Utsue               Stroke (uchi = stroke)