WHat Is Soulfire AIKI?
Aiki – Aikido – The art of moving in harmony with your environment.
SoulFire Aiki is practised as a partner movement art rather than a martial art.
Aikido, the way of harmonious energy, was conceived by Morihei Ueshiba. He studied an Aiki-jitsu system (Daito Ryu Aiki Jitsu) that has a respected lineage in training Samurai warriors.
SoulFire Qi Gong utilizes the art of Aikido to create partner-based practice forms to exercise and build presence and confidence into movement patterns. These are practiced by any gender or age group and are gently trained to acquire skillful movement and balance.
SoulFire uses the fundamentals of these ancient Aiki-jitsu systems to train reflexes and coordination. Martial artists train standing in balance and posture first, then integrate breath into the process to support the way the prime mover muscles activate their opposite muscles (antagonists) in activity. The diaphragm (breathing muscle) should be exercised and coordinated with the other trunk muscles to enhance correct movement.
When we move with intention and use our breath correctly, we portray confidence and an aura of vigilance and centredness. Within the central nervous system, this state of being invokes a calm and present mindset, which we all train for in meditation.
When present, on balance, and breathing correctly, the SoulFire practitioner is in charge of their space and energy and can direct it toward any intention.
SoulFire Qi Gong and Aikido concentrate on centrating (properly aligning) joints while placing your body in the right position to create powerful movements and states of mind. The incorrect way of moving the joints is primarily the cause of wear and tear, otherwise known as osteoarthritis.
Aikido, being based on a martial art but practiced both gently and with vigour, will train reflexes, teach timing and distance awareness, and bring the practitioner into the present moment; maybe the most important lesson in any martial arts class.
As an example, if you saw your doctor or politician standing around stooped, picking their nose, you would never have any confidence in them at all. It is this very basic control of mind and body that SoulFire Aiki can affect.