Aiki

There is much talk about the topic of aiki in the aikido circles. Probably in the koryu circles in general. Practitioners of all levels want to know what exactly that is, is it a magic power that makes one invincible? Is it love, harmony or both?

Aiki is what makes the art of Ueshiba sensei so attractive. All the rotations and entrances. People in white kimonos performing their graceful movements...beautiful indeed.

I think we all know what aiki is if we just follow our natural sense. We can all put on white kimonos and move beautifully with a compliant foe. However, we will not be able to use this against someone who is non compliant, aggresive. That's tough. And the answer is that strength against strength is only more strength. And so is the case with aggression. Therefore, aiki is that which exists outside of aggression and outside of strength. And none or most of that which is being advertised as "aiki" is that, because we don't see it in actual usage. It is a well performed posing.

In Daito ryu aiki-age is almost counterintuitive to what we usually tend to think about aiki. It teaches you to raise and lower your your opponent without using much strength, and finally by will alone. Thus aiki-no-jutsu becomes a quest to dominate your opponent gently, like the wind does.

Finally, is aiki a supernatural force? Well, is love a supernatural force?

According to Kondo sensei: Aiki is mentioned in some early writings that say that it should be "applied". I really am not sure how it can be applied, because in my opinion once you realize that you have it - how can (or why should it) not be applied? On the other hand, if you don't have it, applying it is not possible. Having aiki partially - well that beats me.  

From the late Stanley Pranin's interview with Takeda sensei we learn that Sokaku sensei could line up and filter out people through aiki, or according to aiki. Thus, its not just a technique, neither can it be learned. You must have it already. And when you have it, using it is natural. However, when you don't have it - you don't know even where and when to start.

Sensei Lovell had aiki, and if you saw him in the video you probably noticed that it doesn't have to be nice.

Another American: Angier sensei had it too, and he could also teach others the necessary technical components, and softness needed in order for the technique to be an aiki technique. 

So let's turn our attentions to the real thing and away from the mediocre. It's not that we shouldn't want it, but having it is not getting it. Softness can be learned, but the attitude is so much more mysterious, as is obvious from the later life of the Sokaku sensei. Let's align ourselves with Ushiwakamaru and the Takeda lineage and realize that aiki has evolved, and yet it has always remained what it is: a message from the kami, a kotodama. Any other way of looking at it is lacking sincerity.