Reed College Aikido

What is Ki?

Ki is living power.

The power we often think we have, our usual ability, is like the small visible segment of an iceberg, which floats above the surface of the water. We think this is all there is. But hidden beneath the surface of the water is a much larger part of the iceberg. This greater portion is like the power of our Ki. Only by using the whole iceberg do we activate our full potential.

The common purpose of Ki Development and Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido is to learn how to coordinate mind and body and to apply Ki Principles to improve the quality of our daily life.

Ki Development Training - Shin Shin Toitsudo

Program Goals

The purpose of Ki development training is to help students improve the quality of their lives. By improving health and performance, Ki training helps students to be more productive and successful in their personal and professional lives. We view training as an ongoing process emphasizing personal direction and growth through lifelong training. Ki training helps students to live positively and excel in a rapidly changing world.

The primary focus of Ki classes is learning how to coordinate mind and body in daily life. Ki training provides skills for relaxation, calmness, concentration, personal health, and positive interactions. Students gain more energy and enhance their understanding of Ki Principles.

Ki Development Skills

Ki Exercises
It is easier to coordinate mind and body when we are sitting or standing still than when in motion. Ki exercises teach us how to maintain the coordination of mind and body in movement.

Ki Breathing
We utilize the Four Basic Principles in practicing Ki Breathing Methods, sending fresh oxygen to our whole body. The benefits of Ki Breathing are mental and physical relaxation, release of stress, and improving health. We can charge ourselves with the Ki of the Universe.

Ki Meditation
A dynamic meditation utilizing Ki Principles that improves concentration, reduces stress and develops a calm mind, enabling one to be more positive and effective in one's daily life.

Four Basic Principles of Mind and Body Coordination

  1. Keep One Point This is a natural place of physical, mental and spiritual balance. By concentrating on our one point and keeping correct posture we naturally coordinate mind and body
  2. Relax Completely: When mind actively calms, body naturally releases all stress and tension. In keeping one point, mind and body relax completely.
  3. Keep Weight Underside: The weight of all objects naturally settles at the lowest place. When we relax completely, our weight also naturally settles underside. We call it living calmness.
  4. Extend Ki: Extending Ki is to utilize our living power to the fullest extent. By Focusing our mind and body, we can have a healthy and vigorous life.

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