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