However, understanding of the outward techniques of Aikido is in itself no guarantee of comprehension of the essential inward element of Ki. Some people may even be under the misapprehension that Aikido technique and Ki are unrelated.
The International Taigi Competition offers an opportunity to reconfirm and experience first-hand how the techniques of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, which were developed by Master Tohei, are entirely in accord with universal principles. In other words, through participation in the Taigi Competition it is possible to experience for yourself how Aikido arts based on correct understanding of Ki Principles are not only effective and powerful, but make inherent sense.
It is to offer Ki Society members practicing Ki-Aikido all over the world an opportunity to reconfirm this understanding that we are holding the International Taigi Competition. This is no competition in the ordinary sense of a martial arts contest to establish who is the strongest contender. Tohei Sensei's most earnest desire is that the Ki Society membership will join together to create this event of their own making through active participation, for the purpose of ensuring that Ki-Aikido will remain alive and vital in the 21st century.
The International Taigi Competition will be a rare opportunity to showcase the finest aspects of Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido for many non-members as well, who may even be seeing Aikido for the first time. Of course, we are making arrangements to attract a large number of spectators for the day of the event. In order to create a wider appreciation for Ki Principles, we would like for each of the participants on that day to do their best to reveal the depth and power of mind and body unification through their performance of Aikido arts.
While those familiar with Aikido understand that there are no win-lose competitions held in Ki-Aikido, this may not be an easy concept for the average observer to grasp. For this reason, unlike the average martial arts contest which people go to watch, we would like to make a strong appeal for this Taigi Competition as one which stresses participation.
We are planning as part of the events a section in which everyone in the audience will be able to learn how the mind moves the body, and experience first-hand the power of Ki. We will explain in detail in the next issue of KI-AIKIDO NEWS the various attractions and detailed program planned for the day's events.
In order to make a success of a project on this grand scale we will need the dedicated participation and support of the Ki Society membership.
The "scrolls" are actually in video cassette form, and the Ten no Maku package contains a rich digest of instructional material both on Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido and all of the Taigi Arts, as well as a number of videos containing material from the Ki no Kenko Gakuin (formerly Kiatsu School), which convey Tohei Sensei's teachings about Ki and health. Of course, Ki Principles and Tohei Sensei's teachings cannot really be separated into Aikido and Kiatsu, and anyone who assumes that the Ki no Kenko Gakuin materials or Oneness Rhythm exercise videos are not relevant to Aikido is completely mistaken.
Just as the students of the Ki no Kenko Gakuin have much to learn from the videos on Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido arts about how to develop Ki in daily life movements (calmness in action and action in calmness); people training in Aikido also can derive great benefit from the material in the videos on Ki Breathing, Ki Exercise, Ki Meditation, and Kiatsu Therapy, each of which develop the strong Ki which lies at the root of the Aikido arts.
Many have heard Tohei Sensei repeat that, "The stronger you become in the martial arts, the less you are permitted to use them. What we are aiming to teach through Aikido is none other than how to think and act positively, and maintain a correct attitude in daily life. How do we know what is correct? That which follows universal principles is that which we can call correct."
And this is precisely what the Soden teachings are meant to transmit.