Aikido Principles Let the Ki Flow

Instructional video with Doug Wedell, Chief Instructor of Seidokan Aikido of South Carolina, demonstrating ways to apply and test the Aikido principle of letting the ki flow, filmed September 29, 2009.

[@djfeas001]

"When you stop the flow of Ki, you're going to disintegrate because you can't hold the world off." Excellent way to put it.

[@laurasmarandescu7676]

wow, nice Doug! I wish I did Aikido in SC

[@Krnphy]

I'm grateful to you for the video(s). Thank you very much.

[@MasaKatsuAiki]

The demonstrated application of kokyu nage is dependent in this case in Uke keeping feet firmly on the ground. When uke is moving his feet, a down can be quickly countermanded by uke. In that situation one must "ride" the attacker's movement (go with the flow) and then find a place to settle their weight before quickly dropping down with ki. I call this resetting the ki and it can be done several times within a few seconds.

[@MasaKatsuAiki]

@bostafffighter One places the hands lightly under the elbows and hold with ki to prevent him from being able to bend these effectively and uplift one (so there are clearly mechanics involved). Note that this is an exercise to develop timing and a way to establish equilibrium with the force coming at you. This particular exercise is not a self defense in itself to be used on the street, although one could modify the movement to be effective against a street attack.

[@FlameRock16]

I wish I could learn from you, the way of peace and love. Unfrotunately my body is always so stiff when I get into contact, and it stops the ki flow

[@SkySiix]

A punching bag in an aikido dojo .. point for aikido :D

[@hallelujaable]

Thanks a lot for your answer. I'm completely new to this so it is all very confusing and intangible :-)

[@jamesinct]

very interesting demo ty for posting

[@TheHplovecraftfan]

I have been a practicing the ki flow somewhat irregularly for 20 years (36 years old) now. When I was first starting out I remember a feeling of slight numbness specifically in my hands, my focal point at the time. With the proper breathing it felt almost something like waves of the beach in flow, going out and coming in. My teachers at the time were unfamiliar with this feeling. I remember a Japanese teacher (Sensei Katsumi Niikura) coming from Japan, and I asked him about this and he said, [translated] "good, good" and nothing else. I was only a green belt at the time and probably should not have wasted his time. Was I just imaging this feeling? I quickly was able to learn the circle finger technique, but I must say unbalancing them with slight movements was new to me.

[@ninjaboj]

Robert Smith a beginner can ask a dan grade aikidoka questions, without fear of 'wasting his time' as you put it!

[@MasaKatsuAiki]

Letting the ki flow means it will find its natural direction. However, if you think in all directions outward, that should be fine. Since it is flowing outward it is flowing from the center. Affective tone will be positive. You should focus on extending beyond body so you are one with all around you.

[@MasaKatsuAiki]

@JMaSsA11 The focus is on our blending rather than our partner blending. If we blend with the principles of nature, our partner will find it difficult not to follow along, as it is difficult to fight against nature. DW

[@hallelujaable]

You say 'let the ki flow'... But in which directions? From the center and out the arm? And which emotions/feelings should it involve? Should your focus be on yourself or on uke?

[@saiflaskar7934]

Nice video sir

[@ToniMattTony]

Good one

[@artaios1984]

thanks for sharing

[@JMaSsA11]

Yes, but will he blend?

[@bostafffighter]

Any idea how to counter the falling step, cause personally your chi method works when tried againt a person who is standing and applying pressure but if he launches his body weight as in Jack Dempsey falling step or in wing chun it is difficult to use chi poer.

[@PieterDave]

how..how do you let your ki flow..' just let your ki flow' ??

[@bostafffighter]

Sir,with all due respect, the student is pushing you with his arm straight arms, if he pushes with bent elbow,optionally holding your shirt as commonly done in streets can you still be able to stand your ground?

[@HorrorHighschool]

Just let your ki flow, do it instinctively, don't try to analyse or do something.

[@ninjaboj]

ThreeoFLife Channel Aikido is all about ki ThreeoFLife, but it is also not about it at all, okay?

[@HorrorHighschool]

yes sure i'm far not a pro at it, i just wanted to say that because is what my sensei teached me and is what worked better for me.