Aikido Techniques: Women and Aikido – Let the Ki Flow

Aikido Techniques: Children's Aikido (5)

A woman applying Aikido techniques on a man?? No problem! While it is well accepted that women lack the upper body strength of men, this apparent disadvantage is actually an advantage.  How can this be, look at the difference in biceps alone?

The key is in the Ki (pun intended).  Those that grasp the concept of ki energy know that this is an immense source of power which flows from the center or One-point whose concept can be illustrated by the unbendable arm.  Ki flowing from the center through the arms is like an endless stream of water flowing through a fire hose, which is supple when it is empty and solid and unbendable when it is “charged” with water from the hydrant.

Aikido Techniques: Redirecting Force

Aikido techniques rely on the blending of the force of the attack and redirecting it.  It is at this point that uke (the attacker) becomes unbalanced, which substantially diminishes the power he/she can project.  Once balance has been broken, the Aikido techniques can be applied with minimal effort to simply complete the breaking of the balance like the followthrough of a baseball swing continuing the movement long after the ball has been hit.  The power is generated from the correct use of the body and the flow of ki energy.

Aikido Techniques: Randori – The Ultimate Test

Redirection if ki is essential, particularly in multiple attacker scenarios, refered to as randori.  If one relies on muscle strength to move their opponents, they will become fatigued vary quickly.   When all four principles of Aikido are fully engaged, nage is completely centered and relaxed with weight on underside and ki fully extended then movement is fluid and powerful.  If all these factors are in place, nage’s movements are relaxed and efficient and the likelihood of “gassing out” is much lower than the first scenario.

Ki is the essential component of Aikido techniques.  It is generated and maximized when the Aikido student has the other three principles in place.  Aikitaiso exercises are designed to promote the power of ki extension and proper use of body movement.  Because women lack the upper body strenght of men, ki flow is central to generating the power to throw smoothly and efficiently.

Click here to read more about Aikido techniques and women – are they the same as men?