The Concept of Aiki

Aiki, the guiding principle behind our Aiki Jujutsu classes, is a unique concept in martial arts. Unlike most styles, in Aiki Jujutsu we blend with the attacker's energy and redirect them into various locks or throws to subdue them with minimal effort.  Let's explore the concept behind aiki.

If you look at the kanji for aiki, you'll notice two distinct characters. The first (ai) one symbolizes union and harmony, and it's shaped like a house which is the ultimate symbol of union (family). The second character (ki) represents energy. It's made to look like a tea pot boiling, with the steam as a visual reminder of the energy being released. Together, the two characters mean harmony with energy or blended energy.

Aiki Jujutsu, the parent art to Aikido, uses this concept of blended energy to use the attacker's energy and aggression against them. By using non-resistance techniques and natural body movements, the attacker is easily redirected and subdued. This allows even the small and weak to defend themselves regardless of their attacker's size.

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"Aiki is to pull when you are pushed, and to push when you are pulled. It is the spirit of slowness and speed, of harmonizing your movement with your opponent's ki. Its opposite, kiai, is to push to the limit, while aiki never resists." Takeda Tokimune