Circle, Triangle and Square

Post date: Sep 22, 2009 8:47:31 AM

"The body should be triangular, the mind circular.

The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture.

The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques.

The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control."

--O Sensei

The circle "The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques"

Moving in aiki around our partner means not entering their space by pushing or forcing our way in, but just moving around their body out of range of all their weapons. At a basic level we practice this by a wrist grab and we explore the freedom as we create this circle (or dynamci sphere) around our partner.

The triangle "The triangle represents the generation of energy"

Once we understand how to be in harmony with our partner we use the principle of the triangle to pierce their circle or sphere moving from our centr straight to theirs. Weather the connect wrist is high  or low, in front of or behind uke gives rise to many techniques. These techniques are safer if we allow our partner to take ukemi and create the flowing techniques we see in aikido (rather than the battlefield techniques or its parent arts)

The square "The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control"

The trick then becomes what if my partner is bigger stronger or faster than me and this is where the principle of the square can be helpful. Our feet and hanmi posture for our square base of solidity, but its more of a rectangle. By positioning your self so you are strongly focused on your partner and their base is not focused on you you have tremendous relaxed power.