Aiki Terminology

Author: Bret Gordon

Few things are more hotly debated than the subject of aiki, and largely it comes down to semantics. When every instructor uses their own terminology to describe a similar phenomenon, misunderstandings are bound to happen. That is because aiki by itself is an adjective, not a "thing" in and of itself. To avoid any confusion, here is a brief rundown of the terminology we use in our system:

​Nairyoku 内力 - Internal power (sometimes called Nairiki). The result of very specific biomechanical processes, which include engagement of the fascia and other connective tissue rather than firing up large muscle groups, engaging the body as a single cohesive unit, and coordinating the breath to create either suction/connection or expansion. Movement originates in the tanden (lower dantien), and priority is given to maintaining structural integrity above all else. There's more to it, but without these attributes it's definitely NOT internal power. 

Aiki no Rentai 合気之錬体 - The pre-conditioned state of being, a body that has been conditioned to move, carry weight, and express power with the processes described above. There are many ways to integrate the body, with the fascia model being the most common among Japanese internal arts practitioners. Other integrated structures include the bone reference model, a deeper level of connection most commonly seen in Chinese internal arts. 

Aiki no Inyo'Ho 合気之陰陽法 - The study of intertwining opposing forces for the creation of aiki, and maintaining the balance of In and Yo. Aiki no Inyo'Ho is the relationship between In and Yo, and while they are opposites, they do not resist each other but instead come together to create aiki. 

Aiki no Jutsu 合気之術 - Techniques of aiki, that do not rely on any joint or skeletal manipulation. This is somewhat misleading however, more on that later. 

Fure Aiki 触れ合気 - A subset of Aiki no Jutsu that expresses the technique through minimal touch instead of full-force grabs/strikes, meant to show one's ability to connect and disrupt immediately upon contact. In Chinese internal arts, this is referred to as Na Jin 拿勁 (seizing power).
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Aiki Jujutsu 合気柔術 - Jujutsu techniques (joint locks, manipulations, throws) powered by the aiki  body and that affect the entire structure through the use of nairyoku, rather than simply the joint being attacked. 

Aiki Kenpo 合気拳法 - Striking techniques powered by the aiki body rather than conventional karate or kickboxing mechanics.

​Hatsuriki 発力 - The ability to generate and project force upon contact using subtle biomechanical shifts. Most commonly used in Aiki Kenpo. In Chinese internal arts, this is referred to as Fa Jin 發勁 (explosive power). In Okinawan arts, this is referred to as chinkuchi チンクチ (single force).

Chushin Ryoku 中心力 - Power of the centerline. Refers to the importance of maintaining your own structural alignment while simultaneously compromising your opponent's. 

Shuchu Ryoku ​集中力 - Power of focus. The meaning of this is two-fold. It refers to the importance of intent in the success of a technique, but also refers to using the body as a single, cohesive unit. 

Kokyu Ryoku 呼吸力 - Power of breath. Refers to the coordination of breath and efficient body movement. It can also refer to the conscious engagement of the muscles used in breathing, without necessarily drawing or expelling breath (i.e. expanding the diaphragm, elongating the chest, etc.). 

Tanren 鍛錬 - Forging. Solo exercises designed to help integrate and connect the body, broken down into two types: Kiko 気功 and Naiko 內功 (Qigong and Neigong respectively in Chinese internal arts). Kiko are breathing exercises that incorporate specific movements, whereas Naiko are isometric postures designed to strengthen the soft tissue. 

Awase 合わせ - Refers to the principle of non-resistance in relation to another person, blending with their movements rather than fighting against them. This principle is what is mistakenly described as aiki in modern Aikido.