Key Elements Underlying Aikido

Sensei Tuchfeld and Goto Sensei during KeikoThe 3 forms of keiko (training) include Kihon, Yawarakai, and Ki no Nagare.

1. Kihon is rock solid, or diamond. One idea is if nage can deal with this, moving energy will make other forms even more manageable.

2. Yawarakai is flexible, like “flowing bamboo”. Not fast, but rhythmical.

3. Ki no Nagare is flowing, like water. Again, not speed but continuous without breaks.