The Science of Aiki: Balance, Muscle Control & the Secrets of Aiki Jujutsu 2 DVD Set by Shiseido Kurabe (Preowned)

Can the seemingly mysterious power of Aiki be understood, practiced, and reproduced through a systematic method?

In this extensive two-volume instructional program, Shiseido Kurabe, second-generation headmaster of Aiki Jujutsu Gyakute-do, presents his analytical approach to understanding the principles behind Aiki. Rather than relying solely on intuition, physical strength, or vague explanations of "ki," Kurabe breaks his method down into specific concepts and progressive exercises designed to make subtle Aiki skills easier to understand and practice.

Kurabe explores three central ideas in his system: balancing opposing forces (heikō-hō), what he calls the transmission of muscular electrical signals, and "Aiki Mode," his theory concerning mental state, neurological response, and physical movement. Through demonstrations and partner exercises, he examines how relaxation, body structure, balance, contact, intention, and the direction of force can be used to disrupt an opponent's posture and ability to resist.

The instruction progresses from eliminating unnecessary muscular tension and developing relaxed, unconscious movement to more advanced methods of kuzushi. Kurabe demonstrates how changing the point of intention beyond the immediate point of contact, manipulating structural balance, and using extremely subtle physical input can produce surprisingly powerful effects without conventional strength.