Member Guidebook - Reston Ki Aikido

Reston Ki Aikido
Member Guidebook
Welcome to Reston Ki Aikido! We are excited that you have joined the RKA community
and we look forward to sharing in your training and development. This guidebook is
intended to provide you with basic, foundational information that we hope you will find
helpful.
In the coming weeks and months you may hear words and ideas that are new and
unfamiliar to you. You may find yourself trying to figure out how to move your body in
ways that are different than what you have done in the past. You may feel awkward or
uncomfortable at times. Please know that every one of the other students here, no matter
how long they have been practicing, have felt the same way at times. We understand
those feelings and are here to support you in your training. Our goal is to create a
training environment where people feel comfortable to continue practicing and advancing
in spite of those awkward times that we all experience. We will commit to you to do our
best to be proactive in working with you through those times, and we ask you to be willing
to let us know when you are having difficulty so that we can be as helpful as possible.
We believe that every student, from the most experienced to the newest, adds value to
our training. In fact we have a term- beginner’s mind-, which is what we all strive for.
Reston Ki Aikido Table of Contents Our Mission ............................................................................................................................................... 3 About Shinshin Toitsu Do ..................................................................................................................... 3 Why We Practice...................................................................................................................................... 3 Etiquette and Norms............................................................................................................................... 4 Common Aikido Terms.......................................................................................................................... 6 Ki Development Ranks and Testing CriteriaCriteria.................................................................10 Aikido Ranks and Testing Criteria...................................................................................................11 Ki Sayings .................................................................................................................................................14 OUR MOTTO............................................................................................................................................................................. 15 THE VALUE OF OUR EXISTENCE .................................................................................................................................... 15 THE WAY TO UNION WITH KI......................................................................................................................................... 15 UNIFICATION OF MIND AND BODY .............................................................................................................................. 16 THE ONE POINT IN THE LOWER ABDOMEN ............................................................................................................ 16 RELAXATION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16 LIVING CALMNESS................................................................................................................................................................ 17 PLUS LIFE.................................................................................................................................................................................. 17 THE SUBCONSCIOUS............................................................................................................................................................ 17 THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-­‐DISSENSION ........................................................................................................................ 18 THE ESSENCE OF KI ............................................................................................................................................................. 18 THE KI DEVELOPMENT EXERCISES.............................................................................................................................. 18 THE UNITY OF CALM AND ACTION............................................................................................................................... 19 FUDOSHIN ................................................................................................................................................................................ 19 THE KI BREATHING METHOD......................................................................................................................................... 20 REISEISHIN .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20 THE MIND THAT SEEKS TRUTH..................................................................................................................................... 20 WILL POWER........................................................................................................................................................................... 21 INTOKU -­‐-­‐ Good done in secret ....................................................................................................................................... 21 SETSUDO -­‐-­‐ Teaching the way of the Universe......................................................................................................... 22 2 Reston Ki Aikido Our Mission To love and protect all creation and help all things grow and develop.
About Shinshin Toitsu Do Our practice is called shinshin toitsu do. The Japanese word shin means both “body” and “mind”. When written together shinshin means “bodymind”. Toitsu refers to oneness, and the word “do” (pronounced dough) means, “the way of”. Together shinshin toitsu do means, “the way to realize the original oneness of mind and body”. Shinshin toitsu do was developed by Master Koichi Tohei (1921-­‐2011). You may hear him referred to as Tohei sensei. Tohei sensei was a student of the founder of aikido. Following the founder’s passing in 1969, Tohei formed our parent organization-­‐ The Ki Society International-­‐ which is thriving in Japan and is now being lead by Koichi Tohei’s son Shinichi Tohei. Five unique practices comprise shinshin toitsu do: 1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Ki Breathing Ki Meditation Bell Meditation Kiatsu (healing touch therapy) Aikido These will all be explained in detail and you will have an opportunity to experience all of them. Why We Practice Shinshin toitsu aikido is a martial art, however, it differs from other arts you may be familiar with in that we are not practicing for the purposes of self-­‐defense or to win contests. At Reston Ki Aikido we practice aikido and the other shinshin toitsu do practices to improve our health and our lives by living in the original and natural state of having our minds and our bodies unified. Each of our practices are meant to help us understand the state of our mind. All five practices of shinshin toitsu do can be thought of as forms of meditation, intended to help us train our minds to be focused, present, connected, and relaxed. By spending more and more time with our minds in this state during practice and, more importantly, throughout the course of our normal daily lives, we achieve our mission and purpose-­‐ To love and respect all creation and help all things grow and develop. 3 Reston Ki Aikido Aikido techniques are a metaphor that we use to help us understand our habits and tendencies in relating to and interacting with other people. By working with our training partners we discover our habits and tendencies and, through the principles of shinshin toitsu do, we are able to change those habits over time. Each and every technique is done to help us understand the state of our mind at that moment. You will learn more about this over time. Etiquette and Norms Shinshin toitsu do comes from a rich Japanese tradition. You will find that there are many customs and protocols. Please don’t be concerned with understanding them all right away. In general just follow along as best you can and never hesitate to ask questions. Often the best time to raise questions may not be during the practice, but immediately afterwards. Here are a few basic things to know to get you started-­‐ again, this won’t all sink in right away so be good to yourself and know that understanding and application of the proper etiquette and protocol will come in time. The training uniform-­‐ is called a dogi, or gi (dough-­‐gee, gee). It should always be worn with the left side over the right. The gi should not be worn outside of the dojo. You should not wear your gi from home. We have private changing facilities and we encourage you to bring your gi in a bag and change into and out of it before and after practice. The training space-­ is called a dojo (dough-­‐joe). The word do is the same as that in aikido, meaning “the way”. “The way” refers to a path to something. Jo means “a place to practice”. So the dojo is the place to practice the way [of coordinating mind and body]. Bowing-­ It is customary to bow when entering the dojo. Classes are opened and closed with bows to each other and to the front of the dojo (this will be explained in more detail). A very important thing to know about bowing is this-­‐ the act of bowing in the dojo has absolutely no religious meaning or implications. The bow is intended in part as a way to bring your mind to the present moment and to remind yourself 4 Reston Ki Aikido that right here and right now there is only the present moment. It is a way to bring your mind and your body together. Additionally, the bow serves as a way to thank others for participating in your training and development. Bowing is NOT an indicator of status or rank. People are sometimes uncomfortable with bowing, and we certainly understand that. Use your best judgment and do what feels right to you. We encourage you to follow along, but you will not be judged should you choose not to bow for whatever reason. Sitting-­ During practice we often sit in a kneeling position called seiza. This position can be quite uncomfortable in the beginning, as the legs can quickly fall asleep. As it becomes uncomfortable it becomes more and more difficult to pay attention to the instruction. Sitting cross-­‐legged is fine, and we would encourage you to start in the seiza position, but switch to cross-­‐legged if you become uncomfortable. You will see the most senior of students doing this also. There is no need to wait until someone else shifts position. It is perfectly fine to change positions whenever you feel the need. Arriving to Practice-­ It is best to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time so you are changed and ready to open class on time. This is not always possible however, as work and life schedules can be hectic. Come whenever you can, even if class has already begun. If class is going when you arrive. Wait on the side of the mat and wait for the instructor to gesture, or verbally invite you to join the class. Then bow to the front of the room, step onto the mat and join in whatever the rest of the class is doing. Leaving early-­ Sometimes you may need to leave practice early. No problem. If possible let the instructor know before class starts that you will be leaving early. This is just so the instructor knows it was scheduled and not to worry that you are injured or not feeling well. When you need to go move to the rear of the mat, near the exit, bow to the front of the room, then quietly step off of the mat. The idea is to make your exit with as little disruption as possible. There are many other nuances, which you will pick up on over time. Again, never hesitate to ask questions. In most cases the reason for the given protocol is interesting and 5 Reston Ki Aikido understanding why things are done the way they are benefit your training and development tremendously. Common Aikido Terms COMMONLY USED AIKIDO TERMS
Term
(pronounced like:)
Aikido
I-key-dough
Ai Hanmi
I-han-mee
Atemi
a-te-mee
striking technique, in Aikido a feint to face or
body with fist or open hand
Arrigata
gozaimushta
are-ee-got-a goh-z-eyemoosh-ta
thank you very much
Bokken
Budo
Dan
Deshi
Dojo
Dosa
bow-ken
boo-dough
dawn
desh-ee
dough-joh
dough-sa
wooden practice sword
the way of martial arts
black belt rank
student, disciple
a place to train in the Way
exercise
Enundo
en-oon-dough
a throw in which the uke spins backward
while falling
Gi (or Dogi)
gee (or dough-gee)
Gokyo
go-kyoh
Gyaku Hanmi g-yak-u han-mee
(see also Ai Hanmi)
Hakama
Explanation
AI -Harmony
KI -Spirit, Energy
DO -Way, Path
partners face each other with same foot
forward
training uniform
wrist hold technique
opposite stance
("yak" like the Tibetan ox)
haw-kaw-maw
black formal garment worn over gi bottoms
6 Reston Ki Aikido Hanmi
han-mee
stance with one foot a half step forward
Happo-undo
Hara
Ikkyo
Irimi
Jo (Bo)
Juji (nage)
haw-po oon-dough
har-a
eek-yoh
ee-ream-ee
joh (bow)
jew-jee (naw-gay)
basic eight direction exercise
abdomen, symbolizes existence
wrist hold technique
entering direction
wooden staff
a throw in which uke’s arms are crossed
Kaiten
Kata
Katate
Katadedori
Katatekosadori
k-eye-ten
kaw-taw
kaw-taw-tey
kaw-taw-tey toh-ree
kaw-taw-tey koh-sa toh-ree
rotating or round
shoulder
one hand, wrist
one hand wrist grab, same side
one hand wrist grab, same hands
Keri
Kiatsu
carry
key-a-tsoo
kick
accupressure massage applied with Ki
Kiai
Kirikaeshi
key-i
keer-ree-k-eye-yesh
powerful vocalization with Ki
a throw which includes reversing uke’s
direction of attack
Kokyu
Kokyu-ho
Kokyunage
Koshin
Koshinage
Koteoroshi
coke-you
coke-you-hoh
coke-you-naw-gay
koh-shin
koh-shee-naw-gay
koh-te-oh-row-shee
breathing timing
Ki breathing method
timing throw
moving backward
hip throw
wrist throw
Kubi-jime
Kyu
coo-bee-shee-mee
cue (as in “cue ball”)
choke
rank before black belt
Ma-ai
(Mawai)
Misogi
Mochi
Munetsuki
Nage
Obi
O’Sensei
maw-why
miss-oh-gee
moh-chee
moon-ot-ski
naw-gay
oh-bee
oh-sen-say
proper distance between opponents
training to cleanse the mind
to hold
punch (tsuki)
throw, person leading
belt
honorific name used for Morihei Ueshiba, the
founder of Aikido
Onegai-
oh-nay-guy-she-mahss
a humble request to train, spoken as salutation
(=prev:Kotegaeshi)
7 Reston Ki Aikido shimasu
before practice
Randori
Rei
Ryo-te
Ryotedori
Ryote-mochi
rawn-door-ee
ray
ree-oh-tey
ree-oh-tey-toh-ree
ree-oh-tey-moh-chee
free attack
bow, salutation
both hands
grabbing both wrists
grabbing one wrist with both hands
Sankyo
Sayu-undo
Seiza
sawn-kyoh
saw-you-oon-dough
say-za
wrist hold
exercise that swings arms to sides
formal kneeling posture, sitting with calmness
Sensei
Shihan
Shiho
Shikko
Shin Shin
Toitsu
sen-say
shee-hawn
shee-hoh
shee-koh
shin shin toy-ee-tsoo
teacher, instructor’s title
master instructor
four direction
knee walking
mind and body unification
Shodan
Shomen
show-dawn
show-men
1st degree black belt
front of head; also front of dojo where Ki
symbol is placed
Sudori
Taigi
Taiso
Tanto
Tatami
soo-doh-ree
tie-gee
tie-so
tawn-tow
taw-taw-mee
"avoiding" by spinning out or ducking
specific arts (kata) in Ki-Aikido
basic exercise in Ki-Aikido
wooden practice knife
traditional woven bamboo practice mat
Tenchinage
Tenkan
Uke
Ukemi
ten-chee-naw-gay
ten-kawn
oo-kay
oo-kem-ee
heaven and earth throw
circular blending movement
person being thrown
art of rolling or falling
Ushirodori
oo-shear-oh-toh-ree
grabbing in a bear hug from behind
Waza
Yokomen
Zagi
Zagi-handachi
wa-za
yoh-koh-men
zaw-gee
zaw-gee-hawn-daw-shee
technique
side of face, head, neck
kneeling techniques
nage kneels while uke stands
Zenponage
zen-poh-naw-gay
throwing uke forward
8 Reston Ki Aikido Zenshin
zen-shin
moving forward
Note: Two-syllable words are usually emphasized on the first syllable.
9 Reston Ki Aikido Ki Development Ranks and Testing Criteria
EKF Structure and Guidelines
Appendix H
CRITERIA FOR EXAMINATION
Shinshin Toitsudo
Shokyu (Perform the first test for
all exercises)
Over 10 years of age
Unification of Mind and Body
Standing
Unbendable arm
Thrusting out one hand with its weight underside
Sitting Seiza
Sitting down and standing up
Breathing exercise (last for all tests)
Chukyu (Perform the second test
for all exercises) Over 24 hours of
training after earning Shokyu
Over 13 years of age
Unification of Mind and Body
Sitting cross-legged
- while being pushed from behind
- while being raised by one knee
Thrusting out one hand while being pushed by the wrist
Bending backward
Stooping
Unraisable body
Oneness Rhythm Exercise (Group)
Jokyu (Perform the third test for
all exercises) Over 48 hours of
training after earning Chukyu
Over 15 years of age
Unification of Mind and Body
Leaning
- backward on a partner
- forward on a partner
Thrusting out one hand and raising one leg
Holding up both hands
Walking forward while being held from behind
Sitting cross-legged while holding both hands of
the examiner from underneath while being pushed
by the shoulders
Oneness Rhythm Exercise (Hitori)
30
Criteria 10 Reston Ki Aikido Aikido Ranks and Testing Criteria TYPICAL ATTACKS AND THROWS The name of an art or technique in Aikido is made up of both the type of attack by the uke (attacker), and the type of
throw or technique by the nage (thrower).
The first part of the art’s name identifies the attack, and the second part of identifies the throw or technique (waza).
The following is a list of the some basic types of attacks and throws.
ATTACKS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shomenuchi -­‐ cut to center of head Yokomenuchi -­‐ cut to side of head Munetsuki -­‐ thrust to chest (front punch) Katatetori -­‐ single hand grab Katatekosatori -­‐ cross-­‐hand grab Ryotetori -­‐ grab of both wrists Katate ryotemochi -­‐ two hand grab of one hand Katatori -­‐ shoulder grab Kubishime -­‐ choke Ushirotori -­‐ grab around arms from behind Ushiro tekubitori -­‐ grab wrists from behind Ushiro katatori -­‐ grab shoulders from behind Ushiro hijitori -­‐ grab elbows from behind THROWS:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kaitenage -­‐ wheel throw Kirigaeshi -­‐ cut-­‐back Kokyunage -­‐ breath throw Shihonage -­‐ four-­‐way throw Koteoroshi -­‐ back of hand -­‐ down (kotegaeshi) Ikkyo -­‐ first [wrist] technique Nikkyo -­‐ second [wrist] technique Sankyo -­‐ third [wrist] technique Yonkyo -­‐ fourth [wrist] technique Zenponage -­‐ forward throw (uke does forward roll) 11 Reston Ki Aikido 12 Reston Ki Aikido 13 Reston Ki Aikido Ki Sayings MOTTO ......................................................................................................................................15 FOUR MAJOR PRINCIPLES TO UNIFY MIND AND BODY.............................................15 THE VALUE OF OUR EXISTENCE........................................................................................15 THE WAY TO UNION WITH KI............................................................................................15 UNIFICATION OF MIND AND BODY ..................................................................................16 THE ONE POINT IN THE LOWER ABDOMEN..................................................................16 RELAXATION ...........................................................................................................................16 LIVING CALMNESS .................................................................................................................17 PLUS LIFE..................................................................................................................................17 THE SUBCONSCIOUS .............................................................................................................17 THE PRINCIPLE OF NON-­DISSENSION .............................................................................18 THE ESSENCE OF KI ...............................................................................................................18 THE KI DEVELOPMENT EXERCISES..................................................................................18 THE UNITY OF CALM AND ACTION...................................................................................19 FUDOSHIN ................................................................................................................................19 THE KI BREATHING METHODS .........................................................................................20 KIATSUHO -­-­ Pressing with Ki ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. REISEISHIN...............................................................................................................................20 THE MIND THAT SEEKS TRUTH........................................................................................20 WILL POWER...........................................................................................................................21 INTOKU -­-­ Good done in secret .........................................................................................21 SETSUDO -­-­ Teaching the way of the Universe.............................................................22 14 Reston Ki Aikido OUR MOTTO Let us have a universal spirit that loves and protects all creation and helps
all things grow and develop.
To unify mind and body and become one with the Universe is the ultimate
purpose of our study.
FOUR MAJOR PRINCIPLES TO UNIFY MIND AND BODY Keep one point
Relax completely
Keep weight underside
Extend Ki
THE VALUE OF OUR EXISTENCE Our lives are born of the Ki of the Universe. Let us give thanks for being
born not as plants and animals, but as lords of creation. Let us pledge to
fulfill our missions by helping to guide the development and creation of
the Universe.
THE WAY TO UNION WITH KI The absolute Universe is one. We call this Ki.
Our life and body are born of the Ki of the Universe. We study thoroughly
the principles of the Universe and practice them. We are one with the
Universe. There is no need to despond, no need to fear. The way we
follow is the way of the Universe, which no difficulty nor hardship can
hinder.
Let us have the courage to say with Confucius, "If I have a clear
conscience and a calm spirit, I dare to face an enemy of ten thousand
men."
15 Reston Ki Aikido 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.
THE ONE POINT IN THE LOWER ABDOMEN The Universe is a limitless circle with a limitless radius. This condensed
becomes the one point in the lower abdomen which is the center of the
Universe.
Let us concentrate our mind in this one point and become one with and
send our Ki constantly to the Universe.
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.
16 Reston Ki Aikido LIVING CALMNESS The weight of objects is always naturally underside. Therefore the
physical expression of living calmness is that the weight of every part of
our body is also underside.
Like the calm, still surface of the water that reflects the moon and a flying
bird, true living calmness is the condition of our mind that reflects all
things clearly. This is man's original and natural state.
By understanding these principles, we can acquire true living calmness.
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.
THE SUBCONSCIOUS 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.
17 Reston Ki Aikido 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.
THE ESSENCE OF KI We begin with the number one in counting all things. It is impossible that
this one can ever be reduced to zero. Because just as something cannot be
made from nothing, one cannot be made from zero.
Ki is like the number one. Ki is formed from infinitely small particles,
smaller than an atom. The universal Ki condensed becomes an individual,
which in turn condensed becomes the one point in the lower abdomen,
which in turn infinitely condensed never becomes zero, but becomes One
with the Universe. Thus we understand the essence of Ki.
THE KI DEVELOPMENT EXERCISES It is easier to coordinate the mind and body when we are sitting or
standing still than when in motion. But true unification means to maintain
the coordination of mind and body even when we are moving.
The Ki development exercises train one to always maintain unification of
mind and body in our daily life. By applying them to our life, we can
perform to the best of our ability in all circumstances.
18 Reston Ki Aikido THE UNITY OF CALM AND ACTION Just as tops spinning violently and rapidly become steady, the most rapid
movement results in calm.
Like the eye of the typhoon which is always peaceful, inner calm results
in great strength of action. Calm and action are exactly one.
Only when we keep one point and unify our mind and body, can we find
spare time even when busy. Keep a calm mind and you will be able to
perform to the best of your ability even in an emergency or when facing
important tasks.
FUDOSHIN True fudoshin is not a rigid, immobile state of mind, but the condition of
stability which comes from the most rapid movement. In other words, like
the steadiness of a spinning top, the state of perfect spiritual and physical
stability arises from movement which continues infinitely and is so
infinitely rapid that it is imperceptible.
This movement is condensed at the one point in the lower abdomen. By
putting everything into the one point, we can experience fudoshin and not
loose our stability no matter what happens.
19 Reston Ki Aikido THE KI BREATHING METHOD Breathe out so that your breath travels infinitely to the end of the
Universe; breathe in so that your breath reaches your one point and
continues infinitely there. The Ki breathing methods are an important way
of unifying mind and body.
At night when all is quite and calm, do this alone, and you will feel that
you are the Universe and that the Universe is you. It will lead you to the
supreme ecstasy of being One with the Universe. At this moment the life
power that is rightfully yours is fully activated.
REISEISHIN Man is blessed with a spirit that is one with the spirit of the Universe.
This spirit is called reiseishin.
The moon is clearly reflected in the water when the water is calm. In this
same way, when our mind and body are unified and calm, our reiseishin
manifests itself completely. Once this happens, all suffering and wicked
desires fall away, and the Universal spirit of love and protection for all
things appears in us.
Let us strive to realize our reiseishin.
THE MIND THAT SEEKS TRUTH We call the mind that wants to make the way of the Universe clear and to
put it into practice the mind that seeks truth.
However clever a dog or monkey may be, they cannot realize the
Universal mind. Only human beings have the privilege and capacity to
realize it. If you have the mind that seeks truth, you are happy because
this is proof that you are a real human being.
20 Reston Ki Aikido WILL POWER An old Oriental saying tells us, "When our will power is concentrated
upon a stone, it can pass through it. When our will power is focused and
in harmony with the Universe, it can command the wind, rain and
thunder".
But from where does our will power come? Those who understand and
answer this question are those who accomplish important tasks.
When we coordinate the mind and body by stilling the waves of our mind
to imperceptible, infinitely decreasing ripples, we can sent forth our great
will power that moves the Universe.
INTOKU -­‐-­‐ Good done in secret Just as the number one can never be reduced to zero, once we act or
speak, our action or speech is never completely erased.
An old Oriental saying tells us, "Sow good, and the harvest will be good.
Sow evil and reap evil". We must understand that everything we do comes
back to ourselves.
Therefore before wishing for our own happiness and welfare and that of
our children we must do good in secret. To do good in secret means to act
without seeking attention and praise, to act without any hope of reward.
This is called intoku.
Among the various ways of performing intoku, to walk the way of the
Universe and to lead others along this way is best.
21 Reston Ki Aikido SETSUDO -­‐-­‐ Teaching the way of the Universe Selfish men have never understood and traveled the way of the Universe
in the past. Therefore, when we realize the principles and way of the
Universe, the Universe gives us the responsibility to spread it to the
world.
Do not think that you cannot help another man. What you learn today, you
can teach another the next day. The world is full of people who have lost
the way of the Universe and suffer from mental illness. Let us do our best
to explain the correct principles of the Universe to them.
22