Technical Principle in Aikido

Paper as a Requirement For Taking

1st-DAN Aikido Examination

By:
Theo Senjaya
Kyu 1

ENRYUKAI BPD-Aikido-JABAR
Bandung Aikido Club (Dojo Holis)
Taman Holis Indah C1-15

2016

Technical Principle in Aikido

Theo Senjaya

Title
Exam. Period
Full Name
Rank to be Taken
Address

Prinsip Teknik Dalam Aikido

2016
Theo Senjaya
1-Dan
Street
: Taman Holis Indah F2-27

Email
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City
: Bandung
Post Code
: 40215
Province
: Jawa Barat
theotalenta@gmail.com
Home
: 022-6070473

Name of Dojo
Acknowledge by:

Cell Phone
: 08984725547
Bandung Aikido Club
Sign

Dojos chief
Full Name of Dojos Chief
Acknowledge by:

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Instructor
Acknowledge by:
Chief of Instructor
Board Enryukai
BPD Aikido Jabar

Full Name of Instructor and Grade

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Full Name of Instructor and Grade

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Technical Principle in Aikido

Theo Senjaya

Table of Content

I. Introduction............................................................................................... 3
II. Technical Principle in Aikido......................................................................3
II.1 Centerline Principle................................................................................. 3
II.2 Non-Resistance Principle........................................................................4
II.3 Flowing Movement Principle...................................................................4
III. Inference.................................................................................................. 5
IV. Bibliography............................................................................................. 6

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Technical Principle in Aikido

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I. Introduction
Aikido is a martial art originated from Japan which first founded by OSensei
Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido has been growing rapidly troughout the world, also known and
spread in Indonesia. As a writer, i think Aikido is suitable for me, from its flowing
movement to detail body posture which must be considered. After practice Aikido for some
time, with guidance from dojo instructor, I was brought to realize that Aikido is based by
many basic principle. And with guidance and help from instructor and my seniors, i try to
archieve an understanding about Aikido basic principle. In this paper I will discuss some
principle which used in Aikido technique with its own explanation based on my own
experience.

II. Technical Principle in Aikido

Techniques in Aikido and its application follow the law of nature, natural power. In
its implementation, we are required to pay attention to these things. As an example, utilize
our own body anatomy for doing Aikido technicques. Every principle in Aikido itself follow
the law of nature which is the basis of Aikido itself. In this section, we will discuss 3
principle, centerline principle, non-resistance principle, and flowing movement principle

II.1 Centerline Principle

Centerline which we referred to is an imaginary line drawn from the focal point in
the lower abdomen. The focal point is body centroid and source of energy(power as wel
as ki). Aikido movement and techniques are centered on the this very centerline. As an
example, to make uke unbalance, uke body guided to nages centerline to make ukes
posture unstable. In this principle, Aikidokas body posture become a critical aspect which
must be considered and given extra attention. If body posture bad while doing techniques,
centerline principle cant be applied optimaly. As we all know, if out posture bad, the

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energy that come out are not from our focal point. It came from our arm or shoulder that
can give a bad influence to our movement and techniques.

II.2 Non-Resistance Principle

Non-Resistance here mean an action without resistance or a condition where is no
resistance in moving. In Aikido, this principle applied especially for nage. When attack
coming whether static attack(handgrip) or dynamic attack(punch), nage accept the attack
without giving any resistance to ukes attack or we often called it nrimo which mean
accept all. But, it does not mean nage surrender to ukes attack. What referred in this
principle is nage accept ukes attack without creating collision of energy which created by
giving resistance. But, when attacked by a fast and strong attack, nage accept it with
siftness and emptiness.
This principle often misunderstood as giving up to uke. Like limp dan rilax which
often confused one after another. The essence of this principle is nage accept ukes attack
guide uke to the technique that meant to do without giving any resistance to uke so that
uke do not have any opportunity to oppose nage movement. With this, nage gain full
control of ukes body and can do the technique well

II.3 Flowing Movement Principle

Flowing moement which we referred in this principle is a movement in Aikido
technichque and application where we do it in one continuous movement without breaking
the continuity and flowing in a steady pace from the beginning until the end of technique.
This principle is closely related to the other principle especially the non-resistance
principle. When we gain control of ukes body after unbalancing uke, to maintain our
control, the next movement must be flowing and done continuously so uke do not have
time to regain balance and stabilize body posture. In this principle application, aikidoka
often seen like dancing. But, that dance-like motion will give good impacts for Aikido
technique and its application

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III. Inference
I realize my limitated experience and knowledge about Aikido martial art, and the
fact that many understanding and knowledge that still a secret and mysteries for me.
Because of that, all 3 principle above are at least valid for me as a basis to perform aikido
techniques and its application. I draw a conclusion that aikido basic technical principle is
centerline principle, non-resistance principle, and flowing movement principle, which
continuously one after another as a unity that become base for aikido techniques.
As we see, all three principles that we discussed resemble flowing water(river)
philosophy. All three principle make a whole and perfect unity. We must stable and keep
flowing like a water, flexible when we face any obstacle and strong but soft at the same
time. Nage referred as flowing water and uke referred as an obstacle that meat to disturb
water flow. As an example, if an obstacle occurred to disturb water flow, the water will
curve follow the obsctacle witchout giving strong impach to the obstacle and quickly adapt
to its sorounding condition as fast as possible to keep flowing. The obstacle slowly eroded
by the water flow and slowly the obsctacle will be gone and the water can once again flow
freely
So, in my understanding for Aikido, we must override our ego so we can not easily
provocated and attain full better self-control before we can applied all three principle
above can be implemented on our aikido technique and practice to get the best
performance for both uke and nage so both of them get something to learn from their
practice and safe from any risk of injury. Aikido is a martial art where practice partner is
very important to us. So we need to give more attention one after another especially to
safety aspect.

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IV. Bibliography
Buku :
1. Tohei, Koichi. Aikido The Co-ordination of Mind and Body for Self-defence.
Rikugei Publishing House. Tokyo. 1961.
Web:
1. Doran, Frank. Aikido West Beginner Handbook. 10 Juli 2016.
http://www.aikido-west.org/handbook/

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