Aikido and the Triangle, Circle, Square

The representation of Aikido principles by the geometrical shapes triangle, circle and square are taken from the Shinto cosmology theory of "Gogyo Gogen" where the elements of existence, Liquid, Solid and Gas are all shown to be transmutable and interrelated.

In his book "Kami no Michi", Rev. Dr. Yukitaka Yamamoto, the 96th generation Shinto High Priest (Guji) wrote:

"The Principle of 'Sanmi-Sangen' explains the mystery of life. Sanmi-Sangen means the three elements that constitute the basis of all forms of existence. These basic symbols both explain the meaning of and guide the destiny of human life. We can see Sanmi-Sangen operate at many levels."

O Sensei clearly saw the relationship between this theory and the key principles of Aikido - the diagram below attempts to show how these three shapes symbolise not only the separate core principles but the inter-connectedness of all things.

The core shape of Aikido, the spiral, signified by the Circle, is apparent everywhere in the universe. The exact "5/7 logarithmic spiral", is identical in galactic discs (for example, the Milky Way), DNA strands and sub-atomic particles - O Sensei taught that Ki flows into the body in a great spiral, drawing on the power of the universe.

In incredibly simplistic terms, the Triangle can be said to represent the triangular posture predominant in Aikido, triangulation of arms to centre/hips, and triangular offline avoidance and the Square to represent solidity of stance, or the principles of "weight-underside".

Seiza (sitting position)

Seiza (sitting position)

Seiza is one of the most commonly used sitting postures in Japanese martial arts, with students assuming this posture at the beginning and end of practise sessions for formal bow, meditation etc. Aikido, in particular, makes use of seiza to teach basic movements, with technique being performed "on the knees" (Suwari-waza) and many Iai schools use seiza as a basis for basic forms.

The word seiza is written with two Chinese characters; "sei" meaning "correct, proper, true" (and by itself can be pronounced tadashii, meaning "just right" or "appropriate") and "za" meaning "sitting posture" (written with an ideograph that looks like people sitting on a raised floor under a roof).

In Japanese culture, sitting in seiza (kneeling, sitting on one's ankles) is the most correct, beautiful, and "proper" formal sitting posture, especially when seated indoors (usually on tatami matting).

Many people complain that seiza makes their feet "go to sleep" (known in Japan as "shibireru") but this tends to be from lack of proper exercise, weak leg muscles and poor circulation; not necessarily due to the position of sitting in seiza. If one is sitting correctly, one should be able to perform seiza for anything up to an hour a day without discomfort.

Proper seiza, helps to naturally align your body and spinal column, focusses on your "centre" and leads to an alert mind and body - hence its common use in meditation.

Different schools of martial arts may have slightly different versions of seiza, but for a rough guideline, sit in seiza as follows:

• Sit kneeling with your legs folded under you, with the left big toe on top of the other.

• The knees are about one to two fists apart .

• Sit with back up straight, but in a relaxed posture.

• Rest your hands naturally in your lap.