Self defence
Techniques
Ki Aikido techniques help students develop coordination of mind and body, improve awareness and build confidence when facing challenges in everyday life. At Cardiff Ki Aikido, our training follows five key principles that encourage calmness, control and harmony with our training partners.
The Five Principles of Ki Aikido
1. Extending Your Mind
Stay aware of everything happening around you on the dojo mat, particularly your training partner. Developing this awareness helps you remain alert and ready to respond naturally.
2. Know Your Partner's Mind
Learn to recognise your partner’s intentions before an attack reaches you. By observing their movements, you can anticipate their actions and respond appropriately.
3. Respect Your Partner's Ki
Learn to recognise your partner’s intentions before an attack reaches you. By observing their movements, you can anticipate their actions and respond appropriately.
4. Put Yourself in Your Partner's Place
Understand your partner’s position and intentions while taking responsibility for their safety. By moving off the line of attack and turning with their movement, you can guide them into a controlled technique.
5. Perform With Confidence
Allow techniques to flow naturally without overthinking every movement. With regular practice and guidance from your instructor, you will develop greater confidence, coordination and control.
Understanding Uke and Nage
Uke is the attacker or challenger who provides the opportunity to practise a technique.
Nage is the person performing the technique, guiding and redirecting Uke’s movement to resolve the encounter safely.
Both partners play an important role in learning. As we say in Ki Aikido, “The partner is never wrong.” Training is about cooperation, mutual respect and helping each other improve.
Learning to Fall Safely
Learning to fall safely is an essential part of Ki Aikido, helping students develop confidence during training.
Backward rolling begins from a cross-legged seated position before progressing towards rolling from standing under the instructor’s guidance.
Forward rolling is introduced after students pass their first grading examination. It teaches students to coordinate their body and extend their Ki, allowing them to roll smoothly and safely.
Developing Confidence Through Practice
Ki Aikido is about more than physical techniques. By practising the Five Principles, learning to fall safely and working with others, students develop awareness, coordination and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
At Cardiff Ki Aikido, every training session is an opportunity to improve your skills and develop a deeper understanding of mind and body coordination.
Find Cardiff Ki Aikido
Join us at the Community Hall, Heath Citizens Association, 175 Heath Park Ave, King George V Dr E, Cardiff, and discover the benefits of Shin Shin Aikido in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Beginners and experienced practitioners are all welcome.
Find your nearest class and take your first step into Aikido — your first session is free.