We hold that there is some value to the concept of Ki within Aikido training and claim that we can demonstrate this value to anyone in one of the reasonable categories above. We believe that there are two viewpoints that allow the maximum benefit in training that one can adopt, depending on individual sensibilities:
Ki is an as yet not well understood energy generated within the human bio-system. It has specific and reproducible properties that are very significant with respect to certain physical practices. Through training in specific ways, this energy can be developed, controlled and used. This energy has practical application to both Aikido practice and health. Eventually, our Western world view will be rationally extended to include these concepts just as it was extended to embrace blood circulation, electricity and quantum physics.
Ki is a term used to describe a particular synergy of various psychological and physical effects within the human body. It has no real existence as a separate force but is a useful conceptual metaphor, providing a simplified model for training these effects. Through training in specific ways that are consistently defined by this model we can develop, control and enhance these effects. These effects, and the mind/body states underlying them, are useful in practice and beneficial to the practitioner's health. Eventually, we will have a complete understanding of the precise mechanisms of the mind and body that cause these effects and there will be no mystery.
The bottom line of our thesis is that it is useful to practice the exercises and use the "model" of Ki training from a pragmatic perspective, and the exact "truth" of Ki is not necessary for getting benefit. How far you can extend this practice is a matter of personal choice. “
As mentioned, we agree with this pragmatic approach to Ki - Regardless of which view you take on Ki, the belief in (and practice of) either model will result in the development of a relaxed body with mind coordination that will enable you to recognize and control the flow of energies within your environment.
Below are views on Aiki from www.wikipedia.org that we agree with.
“The concept of Aiki
Aiki is a complex concept, and three aspects of it are as follows:
1) Blending not clashing
Aiki typically describes an idea of oneness or blending in the midst of combat. In aikido it generally describes the more elevated notion of blending rather than clashing. "Blending" is often described even within aikido as "awase".[4] Many definitions for "aiki" seem to be based around "awase". Emphasis is upon joining with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing with which to apply force. To blend with an attack, it is usually necessary to yield to incoming forces, so aiki is closely related to the principle of ju. Aiki is about engaging an attack, not retreating from one.[5]
2) Dominating the assailant
The aiki practitioner is able to dominate the assailant and 'lead' them and their attack into advantageous positions. Body movements (tai sabaki) used for this may be large or small and subtle. Subtle weight shifting and the application of pressure to the assailant enable one to lead an assailant, keep him static, or keep him unbalanced (kuzushi) in order to employ the one’s own technique. In the same manner, through deceptive movements, the aiki practitioner may negate a defence response from the assailant or create a defence response from the assailant that puts him even further into peril. There is a strong degree of intent, will or psychology[6] to this aspect of domination. Mind and body are coordinated.
3) Use of internal stength - Ki energy
Kiai and aiki use the same kanji (transposed) and can be thought of as the inner and the outer aspect of the same principle.[7] Kiai relates to the manifestation, emission or projection of ones own energy (internal strength), while Aiki relates to the merging of one's energy with the energy emitted from an external source (blending). Thus kiai is harmony with our own, internal energy while aiki is harmony with an attacker's energy. Kiai consists of all parts of the body being unified and directed to one intent. Aiki, ultimately has to do with a very good ability to manipulate kiai upon contact so that the practicioner blends his ki with the attacker’s ki instantaneously. This use of ki will involve the use of kokyu power, i.e. breathing is coordinated with movement.[8] Kokyu Ryoku is the natural power that can be produced when body and consciousness (mind) are unified.[9] The term "kokyu" is can also be used to describe a situation in which two opponent's are moving with appropriate timing.
Thoughts on Aiki
The oldest book to discuss aiki was the 1899 Budo Hiketsu-Aiki no Jutsu. On the subject of aiki it was written: “ The most profound and mysterious art in the world is the art of aiki. This is the secret principle of all the martial arts in Japan. One who masters it can be an unparalleled martial genius.[10] ”
The Textbook of Jujutsu (Jujutsu Kyoju-sho Ryu no Maki) from 1913 wrote: “ Aiki is an impassive state of mind without a blind side, slackness, evil intention, or fear. There is no difference between aiki and ki-ai; however, if compared, when expressed dynamically aiki is called kiai, and when expressed statically, it is aiki.[10] ”
Sokaku Takeda, the founder of Daito-ryu aikijujutsu defined aiki in the following way: “ The secret of aiki is to overpower the opponent mentally at a glance and to win without fighting.[10] ”
His son Tokimune Takeda had the following to say on the same: “ 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.
The term aiki has been used since ancient times and is not unique to Daito-ryu. The ki in aiki is go no sen, meaning to respond to an attack.
... Daito-ryu is all go no sen — you first evade your opponent's attack and then strike or control him. Likewise, Itto-ryu is primarily go no sen. You attack because an opponent attacks you. This implies not cutting your opponent. This is called katsujinken (live-giving sword). Its opposite is called setsuninken (death-dealing sword). [11]” ”