Several months ago, I wrote an article entitled "Jujutsu Gives Form To Aiki" (click here) that was intended to be a standalone piece. However, I recently came across two Judo video clips that exemplified the point I was trying to make and so I want to expound upon it. 

Something stood out to me in both of these clips. If you watch the initial kuzushi (structural disruption), they are nearly identical to some of the aiki connection drills we teach in American Yoshinkan, followed by a more conventional technique to complete the throw. 

Author: Bret Gordon

Anma (massage) and shiatsu (acupressure) are great ways to reduce tension in the body. The more tension you are able to drop, the more you are able to express power as well as absorb any force acting on you. Furthermore, shiatsu points are kyusho points. Any pressure point that can be used to inflict pain can be used to heal, and vice versa. Not to mention being able to soothe the pain from pressure point training means you can train them longer. 

The necessity for sekkotsu (bone setting) in a Jujutsu system should be apparent, as knowing how to relocate dislocated joints and triage other serious injuries that may occur from joint manipulation and throws. 

However, the connection between Reiki and the martial arts may seem a little more obscure. ​Reiki and martial arts may seem like two vastly different disciplines at first glance, but upon closer examination, their relationship reveals a profound symbiosis rooted in the principles of energy, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Both share a common thread of enhancing the practitioner's connection to their own bodies and the world around them.

So far in this article series, we've explored both Kiko and Reiki (with an emphasis on the latter). In part 1 (click here) I focused on the benefits of Reiki for physical healing, and in part 2 (click here) we dove into the the emotional and spiritual aspects of Reiki, including why it works, how it can be dangerous, and the Scriptural justifications for its usage. Part 3 will relate all of this back to the martial arts, specifically Aiki Jujutsu, but there is a significant aspect of the spiritual side of Reiki I feel must be addressed first. 

To summarize, spiritual healing through Reiki is not meant to provide salvation or the forgiveness of sins. We established that healing through touch is an ancient form of medicine used by Christ Himself, and that by gaining a true understanding of Ki rather than a mystical one, we can begin to correlate this instinctual practice with commonly accepted forms of medicine and therapy. All of that being said, there is another part of traditional Reiki practice that I will concede is largely contradictory to Christian faith. 

During his lifetime, Dr. Usui revealed four symbols that "aid" the practitioner in administering the healing touch (pictured above). These symbols were meant to be drawn in the mind, or with the hand, when performing a Reiki session. Further, he advocated the practices of Jumon/Shingon, and Kotodama. In essence, these practices center around the ritual use of vocalization.

In the first installment of this series (click here) I described the practices of Kiko and Reiki as modalities for physical health, but as every martial artist is familiar with, we train the spirit, mind, and body. As such, our healing practices should address the same. Reiki especially is often used to promote emotional and spiritual healing, but this is where things can go wrong or even be dangerous, and it's this aspect of Reiki that I'd like to address today. Please forgive me, as this may be one of my longest articles to date, but I feel it's necessary to do justice to the subject. 

Electricity is one of the four elements that are collectively referred to as Ki, and the human body creates its own electromagnetic field which Dr. Ann Baldwin, a professor of physiology at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine, refers to as the "biofield." On a physical level, Reiki works through the interaction between two human electromagnetic fields which guide bodily functions. 

According to this article from the Institute of Integrative Health, Reiki was better than a placebo in activating the parasympathetic nervous system, as measured by reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and increased heart rate variability. The article also states that Reiki is more effective than a placebo for patients with chronic health conditions for reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, and improving self-esteem and quality of life.  

​Multiple studies, like this pilot study performed in 2017, find that recipients of Reiki often show significant reductions in pain, blood pressure, respiration rate, and anxiety. Another study focusing on cancer patients that had completed chemotherapy found that fatigue decreased within the Reiki treatment group over the course of treatment, and quality of life showed significant improvements. Daily symptom monitoring before and after each treatment session demonstrated significant decreases in tiredness, pain, and anxiety (click here for source). With numerous studies and testimonials of how Reiki has helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma, why would you not seek it out?

For as long as codified martial systems have existed, and probably longer, some of the most prominent martial artists have also been healers and physicians. It's only natural that those who study how to destroy the body become experts in how to fix it.

​In our system of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu, the study of Kappo (healing methods) is essential to becoming an instructor. ​Injuries are an inevitable part of training, and having the ability to tend to them quickly makes a drastic change in the overall outcome of the situation. Beyond the normal CPR and First Aid certifications every martial artist should have, we teach the following as part of our Kappo training:

• Anma - Massage
• Shiatsu - Acupressure
• Sekkotsu - Bone setting
• Kiko - Breathing/meditation
• Reiki - Energy healing

It's the last two, Kiko and Reiki, that I'd like to focus on in this series of articles, but before I continue I must clarify that we are not medical professionals and do not perform these as services for monetary compensation. Engaging in or receiving instruction or service in any of the healing modalities listed above is done with the full consent of the practitioner/recipient, and done so with no guarantees of effectiveness. These healing modalities listed above are meant to complement, not substitute or replace, the practitioner/recipient's full health and wellness program and they should consult a licensed physician or healthcare provider prior to engaging in one or more of practices listed above.