The Ai of Aikido

by Hoa Newens

At the recent Gasshuku in Bolinas we put into practice the  “ai” of Aikido as I explained the concept throughout the classes. Here is a recap with supplementary comments to further clarify this foundational concept in Aikido.
 
The kanji “ai” in “Aikido” generally means “to come together as one”. Just like the ideogram illustrates, the lid and the pot become one (a container). The word that we often use in training that is derived from this kanji is Awase, which means “blending,” or “to be in sync with each other”.
 
Note that this kanji “ai” is different from the more popularly used kanji “ai” which means love.
 
Within the context of Budo, Ai-Ki suggests the idea of coming together with the Ki of the universe, with Ki representing not just the energy itself but also its multitude of manifested forms, including sentient beings, such as human beings. When we practice Ai-Ki, we come together with other human beings as one.
 
Ai contains two underlying principles that bear on our Aikido training.
 
The first key principle inherent in Ai is connection. Ai-Ki-Do shows us the way to come together with the Ki of the universe. It suggests that the Ki of the universe originally binds us all together (humans and all creatures) and that we have lost this original tie; Aikido shows us the way to reconnect to the universal Ki and to each other. This principle of connection has several important implications in terms of mat practice.

• “Aiki is the harmonizing principle that ties the elements of the world together. It unifies the spirit. It binds things as one.” O Sensei, The Secret Teachings of Aikido.

 
One, we are already connected, we just need to rediscover this link. If there is a way for us to connect then this means that the connection already exists, except that it is dormant. Our work is to dust it up and refresh it, by taking the various paths offered by Aikido training. In this process of rediscovery, rather than adding to the variety and complexity of the techniques, we should aim to narrow our focus and drill in depth. As we dig deep, we can find a few of the hidden links, and they will help us uncover the rest.
 
Two, when training with other people, our attitude should be that of welcoming an old friend, or family member. “Aikido is family”, Saito Sensei used to say. On the mat we should treat each other with love and respect, knowing that we all came from the same source, rather than defending ourselves against opponents. We must willingly train with anyone who bows to us; when they learn, we learn too.

• “The universe is like one family, and the subtle breath of life envelops past, present, and future; comprehending this principle will help guide us in all aspects of our lives.” O-Sensei, The Secret Teachings of Aikido.

 
Three, in the Ai concept, we are connected with all things and creatures, not just Aikidoka or other human beings, through the vast web of Ki in the universe. It is as if each one of us is one strand in a huge tapestry that spans the universe. We need to realize that everything that each one of us chooses to do or be, affects everything else, and vice versa. Therefore, in Aikido training, we should be mindful of our interaction with our training partners in such a way that it results in mutual benefit.
 
Four, since our fates are all linked, we should protect and help all to co-exist at an optimum level. Competition has no ultimate use, except as a temporary boost to shake us out of our lethargy. Competing in Aikido training can only come from inadequate understanding of the essence of Ai.
 
Five, as a further corollary to our connection to the Ki of the universe and to each other, the pathways of connection already exist and represent the multitude of ways that we can interact with each other. This means that all possible Aikido techniques already exist; the student’s work is to tune into the connective matrix and find these pathways/techniques, through personal effort, with or without a teacher’s guidance.
 
The second key principle inherent in Ai is nonresistance. In Ai, the primary force is that of attraction, not resistance. Ai begins with acceptance of what is and moves on with receiving what is coming our way. This key principle has several derivatives.
 
One, Aikido techniques are based on non-resistance. This does not mean passivity but rather an open-mindedness toward the unknown and the uncontrollable, as well as an acceptance of the circumstances of the present moment. We cannot mix well with something unless we already accept it for what it is. The phrase “go with the flow” is a simple expression of this concept. In performing an Aikido technique, I do not go where I want but rather where is best for my training partner and me, given our interaction in the moment. This is easier said than done and takes much conscious effort on the mat.
 
Two, in Ai we attract rather than push away.

• “In my heart, I always attempt to stay centered between heaven and earth and in tune with the universe. When I face an important challenge, beams of white light appear before me and I can stand boldly without fear, amid any turmoil.

. . .

• In Aikido, before an opponent can take a solid stance before us, we must absorb his spirit completely. Use the gravity of your spiritual power to advance” - O Sensei, The Secret Teachings of Aikido.

 
The most advanced way to practice Aikido, or any martial arts, is to move while firmly anchored in the energies of Heaven and Earth, and with such a presence that the opponent’s energy is drawn to one’s center. Serious students are well advised to work on strengthening their stances to fortify their center so that it becomes a powerful magnet.
 
Three, the nonresistance in Ai also implies that our energies are tightly knit, without any gap. In Aikido techniques, though we are absorbing the incoming energy, we are not running away from it; we are with it every moment. This sticking energy is the hallmark quality of good Ukemi: yield just enough and no more than you need to. The more we pay attention to this point in our Ukemi, the better we understand Ai.
 
The Ai of Ai-Ki-Do is vast and deep. I hope that these notes help to point students in the right direction in their training. The only way we can comprehend it is to practice it daily on the mat. Eventually, a deeper understanding of Ai will help us grasp O Sensei’s statement of his own mission in life, upon his enlightenment:

How beautiful
this form of
heaven and earth
created from the Source -
we are all members of one family.
 
Hoa Newens
July 27, 2019