Ki Ken Tai Ichi
"Soul Sword Body Union" Soul, sword and body must be in union to reach datotsu.
Katte Ute - Utte Katsuna
"Win, then strike - do not strike to win!" It is important to overcome your opponents ki, ken and waza before striking!
Senri no michi mo ippo kara
"The journey of a 1000 ri long way starts with just one first step!" Learning Aikido begins with one small step, too...
Shu Ha Ri
"Protect - burst - depart". These are the three stages of learning in Aikido. First, listen carefully and follow instructions faithfully (1. - 3. Dan). Second, apply the fundamentals and learn variations (4. - 6. Dan). Finally, depart the mold and develop one´s own paradigm (7. and 8. Dan). Seems a long way to go...
Yurusanu tokoro, mittsu no
"The three unforgivables." Three fundamental opportunities for striking with the sword:
1. Okori gashira: opponent is about to move
2. Waza no tsukita tokoro: opponents waza is completed
3. Itsuku tokoro: opponent is hesitant or frozen due to fatigue or indecision.
Issoku itto no maai
"Distance of one step one sword." The distance at which the opponent can be struck by the sword in one step or his strike can be avoided by retreating one step.
Kou bou itchi
"Offense and defense are one."
Katte kabuto, yo no oshine to
"Bind your helmet after winning the fight". Put always on guard after a fight or a training. Prepare your equipment in a way, that it is always ready to use.
Enzan no Metsuke
"Sighting far away mountain." Observe opponent as if looking at far away mountain, not focusing on individual trees, so that the whole is visible.
Teki yori tooku, ware yori chikai
"For for opponent, near from me" is the essence of maai.
Rei ni hajimari rei ni owari, aikido wa
"Aikido begins with Rei and ends with Rei".
Shin ki ryokuk no itchi
"Mind, spirit and strenght are one." More powerful and perfect Aikido is possible when mind, spirit and strength are united.
San satsu ho
"Three killing rules." Before striking, nullify the opponents will (ki), sword (ken) and technique (waza). Comes from Itto-Ryu.
