🥋Week 2025-16: Mitsugi Saotome - Collected Quotes

"As your training progresses, always remember that the key to gaining the ability for spontaneous and creative technique lies in good ukemi." (Mitsugi Saotome, "The Principles of Aikido", 1989)

"We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth." (Mitsugi Saotome, "The Principles of Aikido", 1989)

"All of life, all universal activity, is process, musubi. A cycle of becoming, it is the process of dynamic movement between the polar extremes of universal law, and the only constant in the universe is change. Nothing stays the same for a day, an hour, or even a second. Night turns into day; the snows of winter bring forth the blossoms of spring. We are born and we die." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Birth and death, decay and rebirth, the cycle of life - all is change. Change is life, and the ability to change is the essential element of growth. The freedom founded upon the realization and acceptance of this truth, that nothing stays the same, is the source of the power of true creativity." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"All the great spiritual teachers were pointing a way to the top, to the ultimate reality which is the Universal Consciousness. The path is not important, but following and emulating a great spirit, a great teacher, and the sincerity and devotion with which the path is followed are all important." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Every impression, every idea flows through the distorted filter of individual ego, and humanity is plagued with a nearsighted tunnel vision. We sharply separate harmony and conflict, defining harmony as soft and good, and conflict as harsh and evil; with each person standing in the center of his or her own private universe, we decide what is fair from the limited perspective of one individual participating in his or her own space at his or her own immediate timing. We do not comprehend the all-encompassing harmony of nature, nor truly understand the exquisite justice of the Creator’s universal laws. Harmony does not mean that there are no conflicts, for the dynamic spiral of existence embraces both extremes." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Conflict is the beginning of harmony as death is the beginning of life. Filled with conflict, the flow of nature remains flexible enough to adapt and change, bringing all of creation back into balance.

"God is fire and water, light and air. He is centrifugal and centripetal, yin and yang. God is dynamic movement and God is unity. From the origin to now, the universe has been continuously creating and refining according to the principles of universal creativity, the principles of opposites. These principles working within the body make life. In order to truly understand this we must empty ourselves of ego, for ego is the boundary that sets limits on the human spirit." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"If you were all alone in the universe with no one to talk to, no one with which to share the beauty of the stars, to laugh with, to touch, what would be your purpose in life? It is other life; it is love, which gives your life meaning. This is harmony. We must discover the joy of each other, the joy of challenge, the joy of growth." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Kannagara is a way of intuition. There are no written laws, no strict doctrines of right or wrong. The only laws are the laws which govern natural phenomena and promote harmony. Kannagara is a way of supreme freedom, for the action appropriate to function in harmony with nature occurs spontaneously." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Life is one karma, an ecology of cause and effect, and nature’s balance operates to maintain a rich quality of life for all. Life is diverse. Each life group and each member within the group has its own indispensable function; all share different responsibilities. Selfishness is not allowed in the highly developed feedback system of communication. It is a most elegant system of checks and balances, which nothing in the biosphere escapes. The law is absolute; the harmony of the system must not be threatened."(Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Only sitting in meditation selfishly awaiting personal satori has no meaning. To truly achieve satori is to understand the great responsibility we have to God, to His creation, and to society. With this understanding, an appreciation for all life will fill the heart, and modesty will replace selfish egotism. True satori is forgetting satori. True satori is understanding responsibility, not selfishness. Many people misunderstand Zen training and think they only have to sit in meditation hour after hour to become enlightened." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"The breath of God, inhaling and exhaling through centripetal and centrifugal forces, stirred the universal plasma. Formed and bridled by the forces of gravity, the stars in the galaxies and the planets from the nebula around the stars inscribed the signature of their orbits into the void. Ki is the essence of that creative energy, the supreme justice that rules that all creation obey the same universal laws." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"The Way of harmony is not an easy path. Truth will not enlighten a lazy spirit. It is a Way filled with the hard work, sweat, and pain of reality, for conflict must be experienced and understood. The physical experience of conflict is frustrating and demanding, but the greatest frustration, the most exhausting demand on the spirit, is the struggle to subdue the ego as you strive for personal refinement and ultimately the refinement of society. But it is also a Way filled with the intensity of challenge as the spirit is made fertile for the joys of growth." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"To achieve satori, enlightenment, means to draw nearer to God, to take away the gap, to tear down the fence between us and the natural world. Our personal struggle for refinement will lead to the realization that our lives and the workings of the universe are one. This is the active and living satori of Aikido training." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Unity is the power of God and resolves all conflict. The process of the unification of opposites is musubi, the reunion of the two faces of God. Centripetal forces, yang and center-seeking, fused with centrifugal forces, yin and center-fleeing, create the perfect balance of the galaxies. Musubi is movement, for without movement there can be no joining. Its symbol is the spiral perpetually recycling its energy, a process that has no beginning and no end. It is continuity and it is change, a pattern of duality seeking the one, and the one seeking its extreme." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Without the experience of conflict we cannot know harmony. Viewed without judgment, conflict is neither good nor bad. It is only the opposite of harmony and a stepping stone to creativity. We must challenge our concepts, grinding the negative edges from our attitude so that negative fighting spirit becomes creative fighting spirit. Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface and exposes it so that it can be examined and refined. Discovering our physical limitations causes us to reflect on the deepest meaning of harmony and conflict and to strive for a level of consciousness above the ego, closer to the Creator." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

🅰Week 2025-13: On Aikido

"When (someone) studies aikido with the intention of using it as a tool for fighting, they don’t last long. Budo is not like dancing or watching a movie. Rain or shine, you must practice at all times during your daily life in order to progress. In particular, aikido is like spiritual training practiced using a budo form. lt can never be cultivated as a tool by those who would use it for fighting. Also, individuals inclined towards violence cease to behave in that manner when they learn aikido." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, [interview] 1957)

"Aikido means the oneness of the way of the spirit, of being at one with the life force." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"However keen you may be to begin your study, before you venture on to the mat and attempt any of the basic techniques it is necessary to know something of the principles that govern aikido, for unless you do understand a little about posture, movement, balance, gentleness and courtesy, you will not be a satisfactory pupil." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966

"It is a grave mistake to think that budo is about being stronger than your partner or opponent and that you have to defeat him. In true budo, there is no partner. Th ere is no enemy. True budo is to become one with the universe. It is to be united with the universe’s center. In aikido, we do not train to become strong or to defeat opponents, but to make even a small contribution to peace for all people in the world. To that purpose we must strive to harmonize with the center of the universe." (Morihei Ueshiba, [in Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "Aikido", 1966])

"Aikido, though praised as a healthful system of self-defense techniques, would be nothing apart from the laws of the great universe. The martial way begins and ends with courtesy, itself an attitude of thankfulness to and reverence for nature. To be mistaken on this basic point is to make of the martial arts no more than weapons of injury and death." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"The very name Aikido indicates its dependence on the laws of nature, which we term ki. Aikido means the way to harmony with ki. That is to say, Aikido is a discipline to make the heart of nature our own heart, to understand love for all things, and to become one with nature. Techniques and physical strength have limits; the great way of the universe stretches to infinity." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"In order to improve techniques we have to change the teaching method little by little, but I don’t think we will do something unreasonable like fixing a framework and forcing everything into it. I think we shouldn’t do that. The way aikido should be is spontaneous and naturalness itself. [...] Aiki techniques are varied and multi-faceted. They seem to be separate from one another, however, there is a unity and single order about them. This is where the exquisiteness of aikido lies, I think. Therefore, we have no intention of fixing a framework whether it be political, ideological or economic, that is, to form an organizational structure and force everything into it." (Kisshmaru Ueshiba, [interview] 1978)

"Simply stated, aikido is a budo open to all people who aspire to unify the ki of the universe with the ki of oneself. For all members of the human race, it is the path to attaining harmony with all beings. The gates of aikido are open to people of all ages, classes, sexes, nationalities and races. Non-discrimination and non-exclusiveness are basic characteristics of aikido." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"The burning desire of the Founder in establishing aikido was to keep the most valuable legacy of budo alive in the modern world. In order to accomplish his goal he went beyond differences in outward form to grasp the essence of each martial art and to bring it to life in a new form. The motivating force was his intense spiritual quest to discover a life-giving and life-affirming philosophy in budo. The result was the transformation of the heart of budo into the heart of aikido, the way of harmony and love." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"Aikido technique is structured on circular movement, for harmony is brought about and all conflict resolved through the spirit of the circle. [...] A circle encloses space, and it is from the perfect freedom of this emptiness that ki is born. From the center of this birthplace the creative processes of life are joined with the infinite, immeasurable universe by the Spirit. The Spirit is the Creator, the eternal parent giving birth to all things. [...] Within the circle the ki of the universe is guided in the processes of creation, evolution, and protection." (Morihei Ueshiba, [attributed in Mitsugi Saotome, "The Principles of Aikido", 1989], 1983)

"Without the experience of conflict we cannot know harmony. Viewed without judgment, conflict is neither good nor bad. It is only the opposite of harmony and a stepping stone to creativity. We must challenge our concepts, grinding the negative edges from our attitude so that negative fighting spirit becomes creative fighting spirit. Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface and exposes it so that it can be examined and refined. Discovering our physical limitations causes us to reflect on the deepest meaning of harmony and conflict and to strive for a level of consciousness above the ego, closer to the Creator." (Mitsugi Saotome, "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature", 1993)

"Aikido chagnes constantly. What do not change are the principles." (Christian Tissier, 2024)

🥋Week 2024-11: Koichi Tohei - Collected Quotes

"Our lives are born of the Ki of the universe. Let us give thanks for being born not as plants and animals, but as human beings blessed with a universal mind. Let us pledge to fulfill our missions by helping to guide the development and creation of the universe." (Koichi Tohei, "The Value of Our Existence", 1966) 

"Aikido, though praised as a healthful system of self-defense techniques, would be nothing apart from the laws of the great universe. The martial way begins and ends with courtesy, itself an attitude of thankfulness to and reverence for nature. To be mistaken on this basic point is to make of the martial arts no more than weapons of injury and death." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"Countless people have attempted to define the absolute power of the world of nature. Some praise it as god, some call it the Buddha, others call it truth. Still others convert nature into a philosophy by which they attempt to sound its deepest truth. Such attempts to define the power of nature are no more than striving to escape its effects." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"Let us have a Universal Mind that loves and protects all creation and helps all things grow and develop. To unify mind and body and become one with the Universe is the ultimate purpose of our study." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"The very name Aikido indicates its dependence on the laws of nature, which we term ki. Aikido means the way to harmony with ki. That is to say, Aikido is a discipline to make the heart of nature our own heart, to understand love for all things, and to become one with nature. Techniques and physical strength have limits; the great way of the universe stretches to infinity." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"There is no conflict in the absolute universe, but there is conflict in the relative world." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"You must practice to be able to return to essential principles at any moment." (Koichi Tohei, "Book of Ki: Co-ordinating Mind and Body in Daily Life", 1976)

"After realizing a principle, unless you learn it with your body you cannot expect to get true understanding. Scholars in particular tend to learn in theory only." (Koichi Tohei)

"Be vigorous and full of energy, and make ceaseless efforts. This means that little things do not discourage you and that you approach all things boldly and with an attitude of determination." (Koichi Tohei)

"If might is right, then the world will tear itself apart. We must strive to create a world in which right is might." (Koichi Tohei)

"It is as true for individuals as it is for the world itself: everything comes in waves. If you ride the waves of change, you succeed. If you ignore them, you fail. When the wave is down, most people resist it by trying to go up. When the wave goes up, you should go up with it. When it comes down, you go down." (Koichi Tohei)

"Pour some water into a tub and stir it up. Now try as hard as you can to calm the water with your hands; you will succeed in agitating it further. Let it stand undisturbed a while, and it will calm down by itself. The human brain works much the same way." (Koichi Tohei, "Ki in Daily Life", 1978)

"Practice is not a matter of years and months. It is a matter of concentration." (Koichi Tohei)

"They say that a lion puts his all, even into catching a rabbit. You should make it a habit of putting your all into every little thing you do." (Koichi Tohei)

"When a watch is broken you take it apart to analyze what is wrong with it. When a technique does not work, if you analyze it carefully you can always find out what is wrong." (Koichi Tohei)

"When you coordinate your mind and body, you have unlimited access to the wisdom of the universe." (Koichi Tohei)

🥋Week 2024-10: Sadami Yamada - Collected Quotes

"Aikido means the oneness of the way of the spirit, of being at one with the life force." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"[...] before you can control your opponent's body you must first control his mind." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"Seek to become conscious of being filled with ki, the power of the universe, and to use that power well. To be at one with this great power is aikido, the way of the spirit." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"However keen you may be to begin your study, before you venture on to the mat and attempt any of the basic techniques it is necessary to know something of the principles that govern aikido, for unless you do understand a little about posture, movement, balance, gentleness and courtesy, you will not be a satisfactory pupil." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"To appreciate the best opportunity for attack and defence, you must fully understand the rhythm of movement." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"To gain mastery you must unite the qualities of spirit, strength, technique and the ability to take the initiative." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

"We face the enemy and contend with him - if he turns away we let him go." (Sadami Yamada, "Principles and Practice of Aikido", 1966)

🥋Week 2024-08: Kisshomaru Ueshiba - Collected Quotes

"When (someone) studies aikido with the intention of using it as a tool for fighting, they don’t last long. Budo is not like dancing or watching a movie. Rain or shine, you must practice at all times during your daily life in order to progress. In particular, aikido is like spiritual training practiced using a budo form. lt can never be cultivated as a tool by those who would use it for fighting. Also, individuals inclined towards violence cease to behave in that manner when they learn aikido." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, [interview] 1957)

"In order to improve techniques we have to change the teaching method little by little, but I don’t think we will do something unreasonable like fixing a framework and forcing everything into it. I think we shouldn’t do that. The way aikido should be is spontaneous and naturalness itself. [...] Aiki techniques are varied and multi-faceted. They seem to be separate from one another, however, there is a unity and single order about them. This is where the exquisiteness of aikido lies, I think. Therefore, we have no intention of fixing a framework whether it be political, ideological or economic, that is, to form an organizational structure and force everything into it." (Kisshmaru Ueshiba, [interview] 1978)

"One becomes vulnerable when one stops to think about winning, losing, taking advantage, impressing or disregarding the opponent. When the mind stops, even for a single instant, the body freezes, and free, fluid movement is lost." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"Simply stated, aikido is a budo open to all people who aspire to unify the ki of the universe with the ki of oneself. For all members of the human race, it is the path to attaining harmony with all beings. The gates of aikido are open to people of all ages, classes, sexes, nationalities and races. Non-discrimination and non-exclusiveness are basic characteristics of aikido." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"The burning desire of the Founder in establishing aikido was to keep the most valuable legacy of budo alive in the modern world. In order to accomplish his goal he went beyond differences in outward form to grasp the essence of each martial art and to bring it to life in a new form. The motivating force was his intense spiritual quest to discover a life-giving and life-affirming philosophy in budo. The result was the transformation of the heart of budo into the heart of aikido, the way of harmony and love." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"The subtle working of ki is the maternal source that affects changes in breath. It is also the source of martial art as love. When one unifies mind and body by virtue of ki and manifests ai-ki (harmony of ki), delicate changes in breath-power occur spontaneously and 'waza' (proper technique) flows freely." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)

"Ultimately, physical, psychological and spiritual mastery are one and the same. The egoless self is open, flexible, supple, fluid and dynamic in body, mind and spirit." (Kisshomaru Ueshiba, "The Spirit of Aikido", 1981)