"Whenever I move, that's Aikido." ~ O Sensei

Watching. Then standing like a tree, rooted.
Then, falling. Note, the Aikido student is taught to fall, taught to protect their head at all times. See how they roll? Their heads never touch the ground. Note their arms, always round, always open.

Practice throwing each other. Note how their hands stay open. Aikido teaches the open hand is the stronger hand. Clutching reduces your strength. (Note, yesterday's post.)

Then, ahhhhh, sitting.

And after all that, you gotta refuel.

"Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way that "Aikido" may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although different styles emphasize the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser degrees. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art. " ~ Introduction to Aikido