Aikido (translated as the path of joining eternal energy) is a non-confrontational style of Japanese self defense developed in the mid-twentieth century by Morihei Ueshiba, known to aikido practitioners as O'Sensei. Aikido philosophy is based on the idea that one can achieve self-mastery only by bringing mind, body and spirit into proper balance. Students of aikido aim to accomplish this, partly through a series of breathing techniques designed to attune one with his center, the spirit of heaven and Earth in the heart of each person. The center is considered to act as one's inner compass, from which all thought and action must originate.
Basic Aikido Breathing
In a sitting or kneeling position, relax with your eyes closed. Part you lips to a small degree. Breathe out very slowly, drawing in the muscles of your abdomen as you do so. Attempt to extend this exhale to a full count of 15 if possible. At the point where you have discharged as much air as you are capable, pause a moment before breathing in. Inhale through your nose, maintaining the same rate as before. Pull from the belly, allowing your abdomen to expand beyond your chest. Again, pause before reversing the movement. Continue in this way for up to 1 minute.
Ki Breathing
Place yourself on the ground, in a seiza posture (kneeling by placing the lower legs beneath your body, sitting on the heels). Bend your body forward, just enough to exceed your center of balance. Conceptualize your thoughts as emanating from an area approximately 3 inches beneath your belly button. Breathe out through your mouth, softly producing a "haaaa" sound as you do. Make sure the flow of breath is even and deliberate. Upon expelling as the air possible from this position, lean forward a bit more in order to extend the breath slightly more.
After doing this, move back to the starting position. Continue holding this emptiness for 5 seconds, imagining the you are continuing to exhale. Close your mouth, and begin inhaling through your nose. Again, make sure to breathe in a smooth, easy manner. Expand your lungs to maximum capacity. This time, lean backwards a little bit at the end, so that you can take in more air. Come back to the starting position, and imagine that you are still breathing in for 5 seconds. Throughout the exercise, visualize that each breath is stimulating your flow of ki, causing it to move in the same pace and rhythm.
Skin Breathing
This exercise can be performed either in a standing or seiza posture. Inhale by expanding your diaphragm, causing your abdomen to extend outward. Visualize an energetic aura covering your belly, that is absorbed into the skin by inhaling. Focus on keeping the rest of your body completely loose and relaxed. Exhale through your mouth, and picture that the air is being released from your toes or fingers. Also imagine that as air moves out of your body, it draws the skin inward, tightly clinging to the muscles. Continue in this way for 2 or 3 minutes.
