The Saturday June 6 Internal Energy Workshop featured several types of Internal Energy and their direct application to body movement. “Effortless” and “Immediate Results” were two of the parameters which defined the particular energy forms presented.
The energy forms were those which are innate to our being and whose function was “lost” as the person matured (mental focus); or forms that are already in use but for for another purpose (startle/survival response.) Linked to the startle/survival response was its use of the explosive power and pathways of a deep abdominal in-breath. This deep abdominal in-breath had power that is unique to itself and was compared to “normal” inhale and exhale techniques. The energy of both types of breathing were translated into practical application in movement training. The movement training was entirely “effortless” body movement without traditional muscle movement energy. The idea was the freedom and power of becoming a living, hollow, breath tube/vessel.
Mental Forward Focus Energy was illustrated with the “Unbendable Arm.” The energy was weakened with a specific Internal Energy Sound application (KiAi/Kotodama) of “toh” being applied. Other Kiai/kotodama sounds were used to illustrate the specific nature of internal sound forces when they did not work against the Forward Focus Internal Energy (“AAEE” and “IIEE”). The specific sounds were used to ground movement, stop movement, lighten movement, or extend movement in a stepping forward/lunging exercise.
Mental imaging of spinal cord/heaven,earth,man connection; or taking away the spinal cord for a muscle/tendon nonsupported movement; or mental Ki apllied movements were demonstrated to create unique styles of movement that are developed from within mentally. (diamond/willow/flowing/Ki or mental/bones/muscle/Ki concepts)
“Effortless” pushing of 200-250 pound heavy bags was accomplished by using the abdominal in-breath power, and subsequently assisted by mental taking away of the heavy bags center/hara. The heavy bags felt as though they were very “light,” or they had lost their mass. Of note is that most of the participants were not martial artists/athletes; but everyone was able to do this after the three hours of training.
Internal Energy exercises and healing exercises rounded up the presentation.
Jul
03
More Gary please….?
Taisho- We are sharing what we believe is a re-discovery of techniques either cloistered or “lost” during the cultural revolution of China. Of note for us is that the Systema group of martial artists are talking about the same type of techniques, which gave us confidence that we were in a real area of study, and not deceiving ourselves. In our pursuit of “re-discovery,” what became important was practical application for everyday use; or a way of living. Of course the initial interest was for Aikido technique, primarily as an “energy take-away.” We are Doshinkan Style (Yoshinkan Master Kancho Utada’s personal style of Aikido) so application to Basic Movements was immediately realized. The movements are effortless and have unique connective properties. Speed and power are also incresed in an effortless manner. Trying to add muscular power is actually hazardous to one’s health so this area should be that of a total commitment to this particular use of internal energy and breath technique. What is important to us is that these techniques must be “natural” because anyone can learn and apply them quickly. A horsetrainer is getting incredible results too. There are articles in aikidojournal.com Technical and General Forum that I submitted that should give you an idea of what our train of thought is. Also, let me know specific questions.