Hsin Shin Aikido

What can we all agree on!? Even in the context of Aikido, an art in principle devoted to harmony, blending and connection, the answer appears difficult to come by. Koichi Tohei proposed that there were four fundamental or basic principles available to the experience of every human being on the planet. His vision was that we could at least come together in a shared experience of those principles and use them as a starting point to gradually evolve our ability to participate in the highest ideals of the human experience - peace, love and understanding among them.

Unfortunately, the four basic principles have not gained wide recognition, let alone an effective understanding or implementation even by most of those who have become aware of them. However, despite these impediments to their implementation, the integrity of Koichi's intention and the value of the four principles are no less diminished as to their dramatic utility. Not only in the application of martial technique, but in our daily lives as well. My personal, consistent engagement with the Four Basic Principles has shaped the positive quality of all aspects of my life for over thirty five years.

Gregg Braden has important perspectives to ponder. However, it is important not to be misled by some of his interpretations of what he observes and asserts to be accurate. He contends that the English language does not provide a powerful vocabulary for "the language of connection". In fact, the English languages does contain powerful usage for a "language of connection". I have been practicing and teaching a vocabulary for "the language of connection" for over thirty years. One may find an elaboration on the subject at the website - theentireconcept.com

Just as a fish in the ocean is unaware that his environment consists of something that we refer to as water, few of us realize that we are immersed in an infinite "ocean" of "Ki". For all of us, participation with the Ki of the Universe could be as natural as a fish deriving oxygen from the water. And yet, unbalanced habits of our mind and body prevent us from spontaneously participating with the Ki of the Universe. The practice of Hsin Shin Aikido will assist us to integrate our mind and body, resulting in the rebalancing of both. As a consequence, in participation with Ki, we will be able to "swim" with more ease and experience more gratitude and joy in our lives!

This "brand" of Aikido owes its fundamentals to the teachings of "O" Sensai and Koichi Tohei and Calvin Tobata Sensai. And yet there are significant insights that have been added to Hsin Shin Aikido that my "lineage" does not acknowledge or engage with.

While the destinations remain the same, i.e., union with Ki, unification of mind and body and the development of universal Mind, Hsin Shin Aikido engages with some significant, alternative starting points. Primarily it emphasizes attention to a distinctly altered experience of "one point". As well, attention to a "language of connection" is also highly emphasized as a means to maintaining one's connection to Ki.

If you are fascinated as I was, over 35+ years ago, with the concept of "mind over matter", "becoming one with the Universe" and participating in an effective, "non-violent" self defense, then Hsin Shin Aikido provides an opportunity to explore that fascination thoroughly and effectively!

Asking what is Aikido? - is like asking - What is religion?

Like Christianity, Islam, and others, Aikido split (ironically, in the sense that its ideals promote unity, harmony & cooperation) into two distinct factions early in its history. And it has continued to subdivide ever since.
Hsin Shin Aikido is devoted to exploring how to best participate in the original ideals of the founder's philosophy with attention to the evolving universe of ideas and insights that have evolved to the current time.