Day 15, Training day 11

On Ki:

The word most frequently used in Aikido is ki. Ki is a very convenient word because it has both a deep meaning connected with nature and a light meaning which is used in daily life. In oriental thought, it is said that in the beginning there was chaos. The dust of chaos settled gradually to form the sun, the earth, the moon, and the stars. On the earth, the elements combined to become minerals, animal, and vegetable life. We call the chaotic conditions before the universe took shape ki. We say therefore that all things came from ki.

Ki itself has neither beginning nor end, nor increase nor decrease. Though it shape was changed, ki itself was never changed. We can see many things around us all made from ki, and when they lose their shape, their elements return to ki. Depending on what you believe, you call it God, or Buddha, or Akua, or some other name.

Aikido is the way of at-one-ment with cosmic power or ki.

That is the deep meaning of ki.

On unification of mind and body:

Mind and body were originally one.

Do not think that the power you have is only the power you ordinarily use and moan that you have little strength. The power you ordinarily use is like the small, visible segment of an iceberg.


When we unify our mind and body and become one with the Universe, we can use the great power that is naturally ours.

On the subconscious mind:

The subconscious mind acts as a storehouse of knowledge and past experiences. The materials stored in the subconscious mind form the conscious mind.

Henceforth let us cease putting any minus material into the subconscious. Let us always extend plus ki and live our lives with a positive attitude.

On Relaxation:

We are accustomed to having trouble with nervousness unnecessarily. Nervousness causes blood vessels to contract, making it difficult for the impurities to leave the body, and thus makes one susceptible to many diseases.

Relaxation is truly an elixir of life. Let us spread the true method of relaxation which enables us to meet each day with a spirit like that of a mild spring breeze.

If we practice this, we need never get nervous and excited in our daily affairs.

On Plus Life:

The absolute Universe is One. Then two opposing forces appeared, and the relative world was born.

In the Orient this dualism is called Yin and Yang, in the West plus and minus. A bright happy life is called plus life, and a dark gloomy one is called minus.

Let us eliminate every minus thought and strive for plus life henceforth.

On the principle of non-dissension:

There is no conflict in the absolute Universe, but there is conflict in the relative world.

If we unify our mind and body, become one with the Universe, and practice its principles, others will follow us gladly.

Do not say that this is a world where we must struggle to live each day. The true way to success is exactly one and the same as the principle of non-dissension, and that is the way to peace.

Today, Amber and I both trained in all training sessions. The first session started at 7:30am followed by an 8:30am class. These classes were both taught by Sensei. We worked with the jo and worked on some basic and advanced techniques. We focused today on our footwork and hip movement. In aikido we must move our center to be effective with the techniques and proper footwork is essential to prevent injury and maximize technique. This would mark the first day that Amber and I have both participated in all sessions in one day, together. Five days a week training consists of 3-4 hours each day, with all sessions combined. One hour counts as one day and being a Uchideshi we sometimes will train in all seesions for a total of four hours in one day, as we did today. There are many times we are not able to make all of the daily sessions but try to always make at least one or two. We want to always try and make Sensei's classes if nothing else. Amber and I were both off today and spent our mid-day at the zoo. We later took a nap and went to evening classes that started at 6:30pm. Followed by another class at 7pm. We worked with the jo for the first half hour and techniques for the last hour. It was a good class but maybe a little to fast for some of the beginner students. I enjoyed it and always enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques. I still have not learned any where near of all the moves but have just about learned all the techniques for my first testing. I will need to master these, though, before I test. Amber was working well with her jo and her techniques are beginning to take form. Class will resume tomorrow afternoon at 4:40pm with the childrens class. I look forward to then. Thank you.