Taigi

Taigi is, in the context of Ki Society-style Aikido, a formal way to practice a given set of techniques with a partner. One person is uke (ooh-keh, "one who receives" I think), the attacker, and the other is the nage (nah-geh, "one who throws" (?)). Uke carefully gives the proper energy in his or her attack, and nage then turns this energy into the proper throw. Timing is essential, since much of the art of aikido is in leading, not rushing or delaying, your opponent's mind and thus body. There are many sets of taigi, each containing about six different (but related) techniques, which are generally performed twice each --- as an attack on first one side of nage and then the other.

Taigi competition is in many ways more like Olympic-style couples ice skating than a martial arts contest. Taigi competition involves partners performing certain sets of taigi before a panel of judges, who rate the participants according to gracefulness and whatever other criteria show that they are moving with proper Ki (energy). The best-rated pair wins (in contrast to a competition in which individuals must physically defeat others). Thus, those who compete in taigi competitions have usually practiced extensively with their partners --- something reminiscent of paired ice skating.

Even this form of competition, however, has drawn criticism from some members of the Ki Society. Some people hold that aikido, by its very nature and philosophy ("The way of harmony"), should never encourage people to strive against other people.

Ki Society Homepage

Text by rei@mit.edu