subject: Aikido Power Based On One Simple Physics Rule [print this page] Aikido Power, as anyone who has ever seen it can vouch, is an amazing thing. It is present in ki power demonstrations, or in any of the basic aikido throws. What fascinates people is that the complexity and majesty of the art is all based on one, very simple, physics concept.
To better understand this aikido concept, one needs to look to sayings of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. "If your opponent tries to pull you, let him pull. Don't pull against him; pull in unison with him." An examination of this simple aikido saying will reveal the truth and the secrets of this magnificent Martial Art.
The universe, all of it, is made up of things that fly around. Still, wherever there is motion, one look for the source. The source of all motion is the human being.
The aikidoka stands still in the center of the universe, in the center of himself. An object (a body) moves in his direction. This is a particle of the universe, and he must not destroy it, but rather help it.
To stand and encounter the collision is to create impact, is to create destruction. To give way, to help the universe move, that is creative. Do you think God is more creative or destructive?
In a perfectly balanced universe, he is both creation and destruction. In the world of humans there is incoming and there is outgoing. Thus, the creativity of Nage, placed in tandem with the destructiveness of Uke, achieves a perfectly balanced universe.
Thus, to execute perfect Aikido, to gain true Aikido Power, one need merely put aside distraction and be willing to enter into a perfect balance with incoming force. In this way the Aikidoka will eventually be lead to discover the intent and geometry of the notion, of the person behind the attack. You must not push against, but accept, pull with, accept the universe and let it be, and then you will discover the true martial art not just in physics, but in spirit. And this is the real principle behind O Sensei's words.
Remember this in your Aikido practice: seek the truth of O Sensei's simple, but deep felt advices. Do not struggle with the universe, help it...with simple formula and a heart open to its contrivances. Do this and you will find the soul of Aikido; do this, use the one simple physics of learning to go with your opponent, to help him in his own struggles, and you will find the truth of Aikido Power is a simple truth.
