For the beginner – the natural stance

With all martial arts there is a particular form and set of movements that define each individual art, a certain something that separates it from its neighbouring styles. Some Kung fu systems for example are based on the movements of animals: Monkey, Tiger, Crane (which oddly enough appeared in the famous final scene from the original film ‘the karate kid’) and praying mantis to name but a few. In some styles of karate they perform katas (set movements). These Katas involve moving in a particular way, shape or form. When it comes to learning and practicing these forms, all will require you to be flexible not only in body but in mind also. When you’re engaged in a pressured situation like a fight for example: it takes a lot of training to ‘naturally’ fall into a particular style and stance. So what is so different about Yoshinkan Aikido?

Yoshinkan Aikido is quite unique in that it is based on natural principles. For one: a person naturally walks with their feet turned outwards, this helps to give stability and balance. In Yoshinkan Aikido this natural principle is encouraged.

Another natural principle in Yoshinkan Aikido is to stay square on to your opponent/aggressor. This is the complete opposite of most martial arts which encourage you to make yourself a smaller target and to protect the vital organs.

The Aikidoka is not afraid of his enemys attack. He almost offers himself up for attack, so when the aggressor makes his move he will in fact reveal his own weakness to the aikidoka who will then become strong.

Examples of this strength can be found in the way the martial artist stands in Yoshinkan aikido. With the correct posture it is possible to absorb the strength of an opponent and to redirect it somewhere else.

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the stance: The Aikidoka remains up right, front knee bent keeping the back leg straight, both feet are turned outwards at about 45 degrees. The chest sticks out forwards and the shoulders remain back. Both hips and shoulders remain square. For the beginner the hands enter into the centre line, the high hand (same as front leg i.e right leg right hand) extends out from the chest with a slight bend at the elbow. The low hand is positioned a fist from the body around the lower abdomen (around the belt knot area). The fingers on both hands are spread with the ring finger pointing forwards. Spreading the fingers brings the tendons into play and the body’s natural strength. From the head to the back foot there should be a straight line. This straight line brings into play the body’s natural mechanics and in turn allows the person to become extremely solid. How solid you ask? Well I have personally witnessed four full grown men in a line attempt to push over a Sensei before and fail miserably. It is a really incredible and quite awe inspiring thing to not only witness but also to feel when practised correctly. I hope you have enjoyed your first lesson on one of the natural principles of Aikido, it is one of many waiting for you.