General Information and Articles

| General | Philosophy and Stories | Training Notes & Dojo Tips | Techniques | Books & Videos | Email |

General

A brief introduction to aikido and Ki development. If you want one paragraph summaries, here they are.
On aikido --- Some Common Problems and Observations. Answers to questions sometimes asked by outside observers of aikido.
Understanding Mind and Body Unification. A good introduction to aikido basics and the philosophy behind it, including a guide to a couple of ki development exercises.
Understanding the Five Principles of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. An overview of principles behind each movement in Ki-Aikido.
Translation discussion of "Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido."
Shinichi Tohei's Ki Weblog - English version. Includes material from his father, Koichi Tohei (founder of the Ki Society). New 2005

Philosophy and Stories

Aikido Messages: Responses to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001
The more I read them, the more I think many of these are universal truths, applicable at all times. Includes:
Pointer to: Tohei Sensei's Ki Sayings and his biography (offsite links!)
Profound quotes from Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. (Offsite link.)
A paraphrasing of Terry Dobson's famous aikido story. This story sums up aikido very neatly.
Aikido and Aggressive Driving (email by Jake Jacobe). 10/01
Daily Life Ki ... with horses! (from ki-info) 12/04
Ki testing: a remarkable story about how attitude affects centeredness (email by Jake Jacobe).
(9/02) Plus: "Handicap" in aikido: How an injury turned into a blessing (email by Gerard).
My response to questions about ki blasts (esp. for "Dragonball Z" and other anime fans)
On the use of the word "ki" in daily life.
Aikidoka Ed K. has an interesting aikido page (mirrored at this site), with some more profound quotes from the founder of aikido.
A simple demo of positive vs. negative Ki (personal experiences). What does "Plus Ki" mean? (Offsite link)
A lesson from Harry Eto Sensei. (Offsite link)
Other related Resources. Non-Ki Society Aikido pages, martial-arts references. Some really neat stuff is here!
Translation of the Japanese Hamster Cartoon for kids ....

Training Notes! and other Dojo Tips

(New 4/05) Shinichi Tohei's Ki Weblog
(New 4/05) Laurel's Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Training Notes blog
Jill Nielsen's 2003 Taigi Seminar Notes
Thomas Malone's notes from the 2001 New Year's seminar taught by Tohei Sensei. These aren't just "notes" -- these are Tohei Teachings and Sayings.
The complete set of Virginia Ki Society Training Notes from 1997 to 2000, edited by George Simcox Sensei. Not just for instructors -- for everyone! Tremendous insights, philosophy, techniques, stories, and news in every issue.
ACE Up & the Aikido Process of ACE Dojo. It's not a Ki Society Dojo, but it is philosophically close (based on Tohei Sensei's teachings), and some ideas presented here may help Ki Society practitioners. 09/01
(Updated 12/02) Promoting Your Ki Society Dojo: Attracting and Keeping New Students. Collection off ki-info.

Techniques

"Kaiten": Short, very nice aikido Quicktime clip by Douglas Fraser. (Internet Explorer security should be set to medium or less to view.) (Offsite link)
(Updated 9/02) Ki Breathing: a short guide. Ki Breathing is one of the keystones of ki development, which is a crucial part of aikido.
(9/02) Ki Meditation Tips, a list I'm compiling off ki-info.
Photos and movie clips of aikido in action. (Offsite link)
Hitori ("by yourself") exercise suggestions ... especially for those far away from aikido dojos, but who have had some Ki Society training already.
Identify and treat some common knee problems at Round Earth Publishing. (Offsite link)
Jo-making tips off of ki-info. (Make your own!)

Books and Videos

List of aikido-related book recommendations, from real aikidoka.
Round Earth Publishing published the two books below, and has books and videos on aikido and martial arts in general. (Offsite link)
CM Shifflett has written Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training, a sequel to the superb (and now classic) Ki in Aikido, a book of sample Ki exercises. Way cool, with some really neat exercises and viewpoints; here's my review of Ki in Aikido. You can order from Round Earth Publishing.
Information on Ki Society Taigi tapes.
Information on the Ki Society videos.

Mailing Lists

The ki-info mailing list is a treasure trove! See this site, which also has member-accessible Calendar and New Events sections. Many articles on this page have been gleaned from ki-info. Make sure to introduce yourself to ki-info-owner - we're having spammer problems. (Offsite link)
KiForums.org
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