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​​Daitoryu-Muden US

Aiki Institute

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Daitoryu-Muden US 

​​Aiki Institute​  

Futsuku Mono 



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Thoughts on Aiki: by Sensei Gacita  

In hopes of better understanding Aiki we can use an everyday activity such as driving a car to familiar place.

You get into the car and start having a conversation with the person sitting next to you. You are not consciously thinking, “Now I turn left. Now I brake. Now I move into this lane. Now I turn right.”

Yet, you arrive at your destination. That doesn't mean you weren't driving. Your eyes were seeing, your hands were steering, your feet were controlling the pedals, and you were constantly adjusting to what was happening around you. But because you have driven that route so many times, you don’t need conscious thought for every action. Your body just knows the way.

AIKI:

Aiki should eventually become like driving a familiar road.

In the beginning, you have to think about everything, where to place your hands, how to move your body, where your balance is, where your partner's balance is, when to connect and when to move.

But after years of correct practice, you stop consciously trying to “do Aiki.” The moment contact is made; your body recognizes what it feels like and responds naturally. You are not thinking about a technique or planning your next movement. The response happens before conscious thought happens.

Just like driving the familiar road while having a conversation, you are completely involved in what is happening, but you don’t have to consciously direct each movement or action.

IMPORTANT: this doesn't mean you are unaware; a good driver is actually very aware of the road even while not consciously thinking about every turn. The same happens in Aiki, the goal isn't to be mindless, it is to develop awareness without hesitation and respond with a deliberate action.

“First, you practice Aiki with your mind. Eventually, through repetition, your body understands it. You stop thinking about what to do you simply do.

Aiki becomes something you recognize and respond to, instead of something you stop and think about.:"

DAITO-RYU AIKI JUJUTSU  

is a traditional Martial Art taught at three levels.  

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  • JuJutsu:  The enemy is often attacked with an “atemi,” (strikes to the body) followed by attacks to the joints.  To make these work you need much strength, the stronger and bigger opponent will usually dominate or win.


  • Aiki Jujutsu:  The techniques at this level are a combination of “atemi,” (blows to the body) and “nage,” (throws) with the incorporation of “kuzushi,” (unbalancing your opponent). The opponents are seperated/thrown away from the practioner and to effectively execute these techniques you still need strength; therefore, the stronger and bigger opponent often dominates.  


  • Aiki No Jutsu: These techniques encompass the essence of the art and are the most difficult to master. Once you study “Aiki” you will no longer require strength to defeat your opponent and size no longer factors in the outcome. The study of “Muden Aiki” is unique as it focuses on mastering the concept of "Futsuku Mono," which involves controlling the opponent by making them adhere or stick to the defender. Through timing, relaxation and proper posture you will make your opponent lose their ability to fight; therefore, controlling the attack.