Characteristics of Shin Shin Toitsu
(Mind and Body Unification) Aikido First of all,
you learn to be secure about yourself.
Traditional Japanese writings describe martial arts (Budou) as "a
way to stop a halberd." The fact that Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido
is not a martial art in which you win a bout against your opponent
correlates exactly with Budou principles.
In Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido class, we first teach correct posture.
When we say "posture," we are referring to the body's general
state. However, in Japanese, a state of mind is also expressed by
this word. The mind's state forms that of the body. When the mind
is calm, the body is naturally calm. When the mind becomes stable,
the body becomes naturally stable. This phenomenon is called "fudou-shin
fudou-tai" (unmovable mind, unmovable body). Because your own
mind and body are stable, you can read your opponent's mind and lead
him.
By having your mind merge with nature,
your mind will learn to see how your opponent's
 mind
works; likewise your opponent can use his mind effectively. If you
try to apply an Aikido technique with a self-centered mind, disregarding
the opponent's mind, you may succeed in throwing him, but at the
risk of hurting him. If you do this, you cause his mind to rebel
against your will, and your Aikido technique will not work on him
at all. Even in daily life, a self-centered mind cannot move another
person.
By knowing the opponent's mind, when you lead him the way he wishes
to be led, you can easily throw him as you intend.
In Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, before you try to lead your opponent's
mind, you first have to merge your own mind with Heaven and Earth
as well as with all Nature.
Make Heaven and Earth
the Standard of Your Action
When we advise that you "lead your opponent," you may be
inclined to think this means flattering with your opponent. If you
have ten people, however, each of them with own personal characteristics,
matching your mind to each of these ten would be impossible. The
proper method could be better described as "a way to match with
someone else's KI." When each person bases his standard on that
of the Heaven and Earth, it becomes clearer what he has to do.
Background and How We Are Doing
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Kai, was established by Soushu (Grand Master)
Koichi Tohei in 1974, as a part of activities originated by Ki no
Kenkyu Kai. He has promoted his teachings not only within Japan,
but also beyond the border to the U.S.A., Europe and Asia, to 21
countries in the world. Today, there are 30,000 members within Japan
and 100,000 overseas. They are all striving everyday through training.
Many leaders of this martial art have also been trained outside of
Japan.
Every year the Zennippon Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido Kyogi Taikai (the
All Japan Taigi Competition) is held. At this event many members
of dojos from all over Japan, classes and university clubs come together
to compete against each other by demonstrating the results of their
training in Mind-Body Unification.
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Content of Activity
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido is not a martial art with the goal of winning
against your opponent. Its purpose is to acquire the true sense of
mind and body unification through studying that "mind moves
body (the principle of KI)."By truly experiencing the flow of
KI with body, you can produce the movement that is free and beautiful.
This movement helps to polish your personality and to smooth out
relationships with your fellow workers and family members. This will
be effective in all situations of your life. We hold a number of
workshops at the Dojo of Ki no Kenkyukai Headquarters in Tochigi,
other local Headquarters in Tokyo, Central and Western Japan. In
addition, you can study through classes taught at Shin Shin Toitsu
Aikido dojos all over the country.
Among the techniques of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, you'll find Hitori-waza (single-person
technique), Kumi-waza (paired
technique), and Tsuzuki-waza /Taigi
(continuously executed technique).
*Hitori-waza: A solo
individual performs these Aikido techniques. This practice helps
you to learn to constantly maintain mind and body unification even
through any intense movements.
*Kumi-waza: You perform
these Aikido techniques with a partner. This practice helps you to
learn correct technique from wrong and to learn to lead the mind
of your partner with proper respect to his mind.
*Tsuzuki-waza: You engage
in a series of techniques carried out consecutively, one after another.
This practice helps you to learn to maintain mind and body unification
consistently while continuously executing the series.
Also in Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido you learn ken (sword) and jou (staff).
Through the simple fact that you are holding a weapon in your hand
and by learning how to use the weapon, you learn to maintain unification
of mind and body. By learning correct Aikido techniques, you master
most naturally how to maintain correct posture, how to relax, how
to stay calm in a crucial moment, and how to communicate smoothly
in your daily life.
The movement of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido causes no awkwardness at
all. We are sure that from children to elder persons, either male
or female, anyone can practice very safely. In order for you to start
your practice, please join the workshop held throughout the year
at the Headquarters at Tochigi or come to any dojo or class that
is convenient for you.
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