Ki in Aikido: A Sampler of Ki Exercises - 2nd Edition

C.M. Shifflett (Author)

Ki, the "Force" behind the Japanese martial art of Aikido, has much in common with Chinese ch'i, the Sanscrit prana, and the Greek pneuma, but all remain strange concepts to many Westerners.

Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, founded by Koichi Tohei in 1974, emphasizes coordination of mind and body to produce inner strength and stability. It differs from other styles of Aikido in the formalized study of ki, relaxation and body mechanics.

Ki testing provides an unusual opportunity to actually test, measure, and evaluate many traditional concepts of mind and body which must otherwise be dismissed as "flaky New Age weirdness" or accepted on faith, despite secret doubts and fears.

Here are step-by-step instructions and illustrations of ki exercises and test techniques. This new edition expands the original First Edition chapters on breathing and meditation with additional information on modern biofeedback and the science of breath.