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In Star Wars the hero, Luke Skywalker, is mentored by Obi Wan Kenobi, who spoke of the Force as an invisible energy field that “flows through us”. Many of us that practice the martial art of Aikido believe that ki energy is similar in that it also in the central focus of our power. There are two important concepts, which help us develop Ki energy: The Unbendable Arm, and Breathing to Relax the Mind

The Unbendable Arm – Is it possible that the invisible energy can keep the arm from bending? In a word, yes. Ki energy is an invisible force, which lies just beneath the surface. In order to help a student understand that such power does actually exist and that it can be harnessed, the unbendable arm exercise has been developed. One can imagine that Ki energy is similar to water, which is stored in a huge lake we refer to as our One-point or center. We can then imagine that our mind can direct this flow of water out of our arm as if to put out an imaginary fire. What they learn is that it is much more difficult to bend an arm in this state than it is when it is held rigid with pure muscle power. The fact that this state can be achieved even when we instruct our students to maintain relaxed hands by wiggling their fingers tends to further reinforce the concept that the arm is kept unbendable by using a power that goes beyond the muscle.

Breathing to generate mental relaxation – The focus of the four principles of Aikido is to generate Ki energy or power though relaxation of the mind. Aikido practitioners believe that the relaxed mind is essential to the unimpeded flow of Ki. This relaxed mental and physical state does not just happen, in fact the more extraneous thoughts that run through the mind, the more Ki flow is restricted. Misogi breathing helps the student to release these stressful thoughts and to relax by focusing on breathing. The student sits comfortably, with eye half closed, and imagines that breath is flows into the nose, through the mind and down into the center or one-point, which expands with the breath. In the exhalation phase of the exercise the breath moves from the center through the mind and out the mouth in an “ahhhh” sound. The goal of this exercise is to release all extraneous thoughts permitting the mind to relax and that the breathing becomes the all encompassing focus of the mind. Through Misogi breathing, the mind and body become united rather than disconnected where tension from the mind creates tension in the body.

Aikido techniques can flow smoothly only when the body is completely relaxed. When in a relaxed state, one is aware of their surrounding and potential threats. When one is relaxed, the weight is truly on the underside making leading movements and connections solid and powerful. Finally, a relaxed mind and body permits ki to flow in an unrestricted manner generating substantial power and force. It is the harmonization of energies, like the joining of two streams, that permit energy to be redirected and for balance of uke to be disturbed, creating the opening for the desired Aikido technique.

Just as Yoda draws upon the Force for energy in Star Wars, Aikido practitioners draw upon the power of Ki, which originates from the one-point or center. Tools, such as the unbendable arm and Misogi breathing can help us develop this energy as we strive to relax completely. Aikido, then, helps us join the mind and body so that this Ki energy can be maximized.