- LVKA Ki Notes
- Posts
- The Basics of Ki Breathing
The Basics of Ki Breathing
One of the fundamental practices in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido
Table of Contents
Breathe out so that your breath travels infinitely to the ends of the Universe; breathe in so that your breath reaches your one point and continues infinitely there. Ki breathing is an important way of unifying mind and body.
At night, when all is quiet and calm, do this alone, and you will feel that you are the Universe and that the Universe is you. It will lead you to the supreme ecstasy of being one with the Universe. At this moment the life power that is rightfully yours is fully activated.
Ki Breathing
Ki Breathing is one of the fundamental practices in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido. It is essential for realizing the Unity of Mind and Body and cultivating a deep sense of calm and focus. This simple, powerful technique can transform your practice on the mat and your daily life. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand and practice Ki Breathing, both at home and in the dojo.
What is Ki Breathing?
Ki Breathing is a method of breathing that emphasizes the connection between the breath and Ki. This practice helps you develop a strong and steady flow of energy, which enhances your ability to move with balance, grace, and power.
Why is Ki Breathing Important?
Ki Breathing is more than just a relaxation technique; it’s a way to cultivate inner strength and resilience. Through regular practice, you learn to become intimately familiar with your mind/heart (kokoro), which in turn allows you to manage stress, stay focused under pressure, and maintain a sense of calm in challenging situations. This mental clarity and emotional balance are not only essential for Aikido practice but also beneficial in all aspects of life.
How to Practice Ki Breathing at Home
Find a Quiet Space: Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit without distractions. Make sure your environment is calm, with minimal noise and interruptions.
Settle Into Your Posture: Sit in a comfortable position with your spine upright, but not uptight. Rest your hands on your thighs or place them gently in your lap. Take a moment to relax your body, releasing any tension in your shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, hands, chest, back, and legs.
Begin with Deep Breaths: Start by taking a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling gently through your mouth. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in fresh, clean energy. As you breathe out, visualize releasing any tension or negative energy.
Focus on the Exhale: Breathe in gently through your nose, filling your lungs comfortably. Then, exhale slowly and steadily through your mouth, allowing the breath to flow out naturally without force. The exhale should be smooth and continuous.
Continue the Cycle: Repeat this cycle of breathing for several minutes, maintaining a steady, relaxed rhythm. If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. Over time, you’ll find that your breath naturally deepens and your exhale lengthens.
End with Calm: After some time, gradually bring your breathing back to its natural rhythm. Sit quietly for a few moments, feeling the effects of the practice. When you’re ready, return to your day with a sense of calm and focus.
Incorporating Ki Breathing into Your Daily Routine
To fully experience the benefits of Ki Breathing, consistency is key. Try to practice for at least 10-15 minutes every day, either in the morning to start your day with clarity, or in the evening to unwind and release the day’s stress. You can also incorporate Ki Breathing into small everyday moments, using it to center yourself before and after stressful events or during idle moments.
Remember, Ki Breathing is a lifelong practice. The more you integrate it into your routine, the more profound its effects will be on your physical and mental well-being.
Start today, and let the power of Ki Breathing transform your practice and your life!
Five principles of Ki breathing
1. Exhale gradually, with purpose and control.
2. Exhale with a distinct but barely audible sound.
3. At the end of the breath, Ki continues infinitely like a fading note.
4. Inhale from the tip of the nose until the body is saturated with breath.
5. After inhaling, calm the mind infinitely at the one point.
Upcoming Seminar!
EKF Fall Seminar with Fryling Sensei presented by Philadelphia Ki-Aikido
Saturday 28 September
A continuation on the theme of Five Principles of Kaisho as taught by Fryling Sensei. The first seminar in this series was hosted by Northern Virginia Ki-Aikido, where we practiced the Kaisho of gokyu through ikkyu arts. Then at the Minnesota Ki Society, applications of the principles to Taigi, Kiatsuho, and weapons were demonstrated. The third seminar hosted by South Carolina Ki-Aikido and Furman University Ki-Aikido emphasized the parallels between the principles of Kaisho and the principles of Bokken.
Schedule
9am - Noon : Ki and Aikido Training
Noon - 1:30pm : Lunch
1:30pm - 4:30pm : Ki and Aikido Training
6:30pm : Social
Lodging
There are several hotels nearby, around the intersection of Conchester Hwy (US 322) and Baltimore Pike (US 1).
See this link for a Google Maps search of the area.
Cost / Payment
$50.00
Payments can be made via
Venmo,
Paypal
or check made out to “Philadelphia Ki-Aikido”.
Point of Contact:
Direct any questions or comments to
Kenneth Mills, assistant instructor at Philadelphia Ki-Aikido [email protected]
Training Week In Review
This week we worked on the Jo, rolling, and some Aikido arts
Five principles of Jo with Ki
Hold the staff lightly.
Control the staff with the rear hand.
Manipulate the staff freely.
When changing the position of the staff, one hand must always have hold.
The line traced by the staff is never broken.
Here’s a video of the late Curtis Sensei from Hawai’i demonstrating Jogi 1 & 2
Aikido Arts
We practiced the following arts from the 3rd kyu test criteria
Ryotetori Zenponage
In Kaisho, work on knowing clearly which hand holds which of uke’s wrists as you tenkan
Remember to let go as you throw so uke can fall safely
If helping someone with their forward rolls, slowly lower the hand all the way to the ground, supporting their rolling practice
Katatetori Kaitennage Irimi
Ki atemi to the face with your free hand as your held hand moves outward making a gap
Lift the held arm and step into the gap, turning your back to uke as you step through
When you are through the gap, drop your held arm with an udemawashi movement keeping the slack out of uke’s arm. Don’t just move their wrist or arm, move their one point
As their head drops, have your free hand ready to rest on the back of their neck/head.
Shift your weight forward to throw
Enjoy the rest of your week, and see you on the mat soon!
-Matt Doetsch-Kidder