Principles of Aikido

Four basic physical principles of Aikido are:

1.  Meet the opponent standing in sankaku hamni (triangular stance) with
back upright.

2.  Maintain a center-to-center relation such that the opponent is on your
line of attack or strength, but you are off his or her (or its) line of attack.  
Involve your total body.

3.  Move harmoniously with the opponent, adding the opponent’s speed
and strength to yours.

4.  Move naturally and do not expose yourself to attack or create an
opening (unless you want to create an opening as a tactic).

Weapons Training Basic Principles

Focus eyes on the horizon (broad view) as much as possible.   Relax in all
“ready” positions.  Develop presence, extending yourself mentally and
physically.  

Stay behind your weapon unless the technique calls for otherwise.  

Grip the jo or ken with your three lower fingers, and wrap your thumb
around the weapon.  Do not put your thumb on top of the jo (or sword
handle).

Point your front foot toward the opponent during final application of a
technique.  

Move naturally and put as much body mass as possible into the thrust,
strike, or sweep as you can while keeping balance.  Don’t pivot a weapon
with just the wrists and elbows – involve the shoulders, hips, and legs.  The
rule of thumb is to save 20% of your power to make a correction or to
adjust or counter the opponent’s moves.  We increase power by
incorporating more of our body mass into the movement, not by applying
more muscle or trying to increase speed.  

Do not assume extreme stances (these commit you too much and slow
down the next move).  

In striking, go for extension, and put the power near the far end of the jo or
ken – with the feeling of bearing down from above.  End with your hands
high and with full extension.  Do not over swing.  Exhale and shout (kiai) as
you strike.

In moving forward, slide slightly forward with the forward foot, then step
forward with the rear foot if a step is to be taken.  In moving backward, slide
slightly backward with the rear foot, then step back with the front foot, if a
step is to be taken.  

When practicing alone, thrust to the level of your own solar plexus and
strike to the level of your own temple (eye level) to give metal focus and
physical rigor to your movements, unless the techniques calls for a specific
level or angle.  

In executing lower-level (gedan) techniques, bend at the knees (lower your
weight) so that you have power behind (not above) the weapon.