vade mecum
“Fill yourself with Ki,
invite the attack.”
Notes on Aikido.
Anticipation leaves a gap for the other to see where you are headed and beat you there. An opponent will use this as an opportunity to strike. Wait for an indication from the other to make your next move. Work with their energy. Conserve; do less and use the force of your opponent. It’s a dance. There is always a way to enter the space with your contender and work with them.
Ahimsa — non-harming: receive and redirect. Relax into what is coming; soften into the flow. Resistance creates tension and drama; it’s an energy suck.
Stance and posture reflect the state of mind. How we align physically expresses the unseen thoughts. No one is hiding anything. It is all right there in front of you, rich with meaning, to interpret.
Words I like:
hara 腹 — “belly/heart-mind.”
Traditionally this was viewed as the location of the source of ki/spirit/mind. Aikidō techniques should be executed as much as possible with movement 'from' one's hara.kiai 氣合い — "spirit-harmony.’
A shout or cry, delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement.misogi 禊 — "ritual purification.”
Aikidō training may be looked upon as a means of purifying oneself, eliminating defiling characteristics from one's mind or personality.nage 投げ — "Throw".
The one who throws. (opp. uke).uke 受け — "receiver.'“
The one who is thrown (who receives the technique).zanshin 残心 — "remaining mind/heart.”
Even after an aikidō technique has been completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state.
Taken from the Aikido Glossary.
Photo source.
