Whenever subjected to a force or applying a force ourselves, the first thing we notice is the impact that force has on our balance. We become exponentially weaker as our balance is taken, and  our structure experiences catastrophic failure eventually leading us to fall or stagger. What is our usual reaction to an unexpected force and how does it lead to our loss of balance.

 

Running away and avoidance, is at times confused with harmony. In truth, it continues to draw an attacker’s power towards us and sets our centre into dynamic movement which becomes difficult to control. The feeling is a bit like running too fast down a hill and attempting to stop. This is not to be confused with leading, which may be in a direction behind ourselves.

 

On the other side of the spectrum is resistance involving a force which stiffens the body. Being heavier and stronger may reward this action with an apparent victory. However, in a free-flowing combat situation the attacker will ‘bounce off’ this defence, retain their balance and remain in a position to rapidly launch a subsequent attack. If lighter and weaker than our attacker, we will very obviously be defeated as we tip over like a wardrobe.

 

It is of great benefit to observe or experience this tipping over feeling, as it holds some very important lessons.

 

So what does happen? The back edge digs in and its centre of gravity lifts up and over becoming easier to push as it tips over. It is also important to note, that pushing the wardrobe from the top is much easier than attempting to tip it by pressing close to the ground. This is what happens to us whenever we stiffly resist a push from the front. Our back leg, or heels dig into the Earth and we tip over. We can improve our resistance by widening our stance and pushing our leg further behind us, however that places us in a rather static stance and our ability to turn or move is greatly diminished.

 

Our teachers in their infinite wisdom has placed ‘non-resistance’ as a foundation principle of Aikido, so there must be a better way.

 

What happens if we utilise and redirect this same force upwards and behind us? We ensure that our weight is distributed more evenly between both legs facilitating moving and turning actions and ensuring that the back leg will not be locked into the ground becoming a pivot for our centre of gravity. Of course in practice, the back leg will receive the majority of the force, but it will subject to as little as possible. The feeling is akin to spinning a whirlpool within ourselves, up our backs and down our fronts to lead the force (coming from the front) upwards and backwards.

 

This simple example can shaped into complex spirals within our bodies ensuring that any force from any direction does not disrupt our structural relationship with the Earth.  If you have ever experienced Tohei Sensei’s aikido you will have encountered the concept of ki testing and realise that this is a wonderful way to play around with internal redirection and the emotional/mental state required to pull it off.