THE AIKI EXERCISES OF MORIHEI UESHIBA

Some of the daily exercises practised by Morihei Ueshiba included... prayer, contemplation, meditation, kototama (chanting the sound spirit), and a series of harmonious exercises.

These exercises focused on physical, mental and spiritual movements to achieve harmony with nature and the universe.

One of Morihei routines O'Sensei's Rites of Spring, was preserved and taught by Master Michio Hikitsuchi 10th dan, one of his top students.

Morihei developed this ritual by mixing elements of Shingon Buddhism and Chi Kung. He would perform it for periods ranging between 10 minutes to several hours, and he included these elements in his aikido practise.

According to Hikitsuchi Sensei, it is essential to practise and study the ritual in order to understand Aikido's spiritual essence.

My personal routine includes elements of breath control, chi kung, tibetan yoga, waveforms and chanting to enhance my practise of aikido.

I cannot go into detail here, but offer this as an overview. I recommend that you research further before starting any of these practises. Here's my Aiki Exercises simplified description...

Shinkokyu (divine breath)

This includes deep breathing with the intent of drawing the ki of the heavens down into your body. With 4 claps that represent the universal breath (heaven/fire/water/earth). Hand clasping and arm movements to bring the ki energy into your one point, which is just below your navel.

Tori fune (divine movement)

This movement is often known as the rowing exercise, and can be seen in many of the older films of aikido students. It involves breathing in as you pull your hands back towards your hips. Then breathing out as you push your hands away and forward. The intent is of pulling the earth towards and away from you. Also includes body movement and chanting.

Furu Tama (waking the spirit)

Involving relaxing your body, clasping hands firmly together in front of your navel, and shaking in small movements. The mental intent is to close your eyes and visualize blue dots (crystals, globes etc.) as you enter mushin (no-mind). If done properly, a pure red sun eventually appears.

Otake (battle cry)

This involves raising hands towards heaven, and clapping four times. Then with hands on hips, and raising the shoulders and heels you chant. Then as you lower your shoulders and heels you chant again. Many of the chants during this series of exercises are from shigon buddhism.

Kokyu (breathing)

Again with feet shoulder width apart, and hands clasped together, breathe deeply as you make two big horizontal circular movements with your arms to the right and left. Then the same with vertical movements, and body turning movements, and ends with hands in front of centre.

That's it!

There is a lot more detail, and it all sounds rather complicated. But like anything else, once you know the routine, it is easy to remember the movements. Of course to master it would take a lot of practise.

But that is the point!

By immersing yourself in spiritual practise, you will come to understand the nature of the universe. And perhaps yourself :)

Aiki principles to fast-track your skills... Aikido Success Blueprint