18th Oct 2007
“Kihon Waza” by Fumio Toyoda Shihan
Kihon waza are not only techniques for beginners. In Japanese kihon means “original foundation”. These techniques are the foundation for all other aikido techniques.
Kihon, the original foundation, consists of physical, mental, coordination and waza training.
Everyone can benefit from kihon physical training. Your size, sex or current health does not matter, physical training will improve your health and well being.
Your total commitment to training, will develop a mental attitude that will benefit you in all phases of your life. Even if you do not know what aikido is, with complete mental commitment and the help of your sensei, you will experience the principles of aikido. You will see improvement in your awareness, concentration, and relaxation that will benefit you not only in your aikido, but also in your daily life.
Kihon waza are the foundation of all of the aikido techniques you will ever learn. With this foundation you will be able to learn advanced techniques (oyo waza) and be able to increase the depth of your understanding of aikido. you must practice kihon waza daily to be able to develop and improve your aikido. Kihon waza is like breakfast, it give you the nourishment to start the day.
Kihon waza is the fundamental structure of aikido. It is like the operating system in a computer, Windows 98. The computer is useless without an operating system. Also, with a strong fundamental structure or operating system you can “upgrade” to more advanced principles or techniques in the future.
Daily kihon waza practice will produce strong, clear, dynamic aikido that will continue to improve and benefit you physically and mentally in all phases of your life. for isn’t aikido life training?
*Copyright 1999 Chushinkan Dojo, “Hikari”, Vol. 2, Issue 2, June, 1999. All rights reserved.
