Empty hand techniques start off practicing from strong, stable, arresting, and attacking energy. This teaches proper body movement and provides one with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of body structure, full body coordination, internal movement, and application against resistance.
Progressively, varying degrees of movement are introduced to practice blending with dynamic, fluid tensions and energies. Beyond this, oyo waza, applied techniques, are practiced with smaller, more direct, precise movements aimed at practicality to deal directly with energy flow.
Aikido’s roots were born from Japan’s sword and weapons culture. Many of Aikido’s empty-hand techniques reflect this and were designed to deal with a person who may be armed.
Sword and staff practice teaches the use of these weapons to develop and reinforce a steady mind, awareness, timing, body movement, structure, and engagement. Weapons techniques have a direct relationship to the movements used in the empty hand techniques and reflect aiki-principle.
The breath is integral to proper aiki-body movement and connection. Breathing practices teach us to activate the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems to create desired responses in the body on demand. Taking control of our bodies, for deep relaxation and stress relief or for energy and focus, allows us to shape our environments for the best possible outcomes.
All three of these components work together to create and reinforce an aikido-body that can go beyond prescribed technique to respond spontaneously and appropriately to a situation as needed.