Quantum Entanglement And Its Relation To Aiki

Author: Bret Gordon

Quantum entanglement is the phenomenon of a group of particles being generated, interacting, or sharing spatial proximity in such a way that the quantum state of each particle of the group cannot be described independently of the state of the others, including when the particles are separated by a large distance. The University of Ottawa, as part of their research on this phenomenon, has been able to capture a visualization of the quantum entanglement of photons in real time (click here for article). Martial artists all over the world should be able to recognize the image presented by their research...

For the first time that I am aware of, we have an example of the Taiji (more commonly known as the Yinyang or Inyo) not just as a manmade symbol used to demonstrate a principle but as a naturally occurring phenomenon. The Taiji is a representation of dual opposing spirals whose paths intertwine. This visualization is essential to development of the aiki body, as these spirals are how we receive, process, and return force. These spirals of force travel along the myofascial meridians and affect the way you do anything, from the way you stand, walk, carry weight, etc. To read more about the development of aiki, I recommend starting with the "Is This Aiki?" article series (click here for part 1).

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So how does the article by the University of Ottawa and their study of quantum entanglement relate to aiki? As I stated above, quantum entanglement is the state where each particle of the group cannot be described independently of the state of the others. The first character of aiki, 合, is itself three kanji: 人 (person), 一 (one), and 口 (mouth). One of the best breakdowns I've heard for this character is "two people speaking through one mouth," referring to the instant that two opposing forces come together. Aiki Jujutsu is unique as a martial art, in that the intent is not to "do" something to another person but rather we simply move our bodies according to the principles of aiki, and because another person is connected to us, the effects of that movement are rippled throughout their body to create the desired lock or throw. The clip below is from a seminar I taught in Texas back in 2016, where I demonstrate that concept. 

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This is only possible because I disregard them as separate entities and focus all of my intent on simply moving my own body. We are not three individuals, but one person with a unified intent. In other words, each person of the group cannot be described independently of the state of the others. 

Of course, creating a four-legged (or six-legged in this case) animal is not how you do aiki but rather it's an effect of having it in the first place. We never try to connect to our partner's center, we draw them into ours. Trying to "do" something to our partner gives them autonomy, which is exactly what we're trying to take away in Aiki Jujutsu. 

Thanks in large part to the likes of George Dillman and the no-touch chi crowd, when the majority of practitioners hear terms like "aiki" and "internal power," they lump us in as having drank the Kool-Aid. At best, we've been fooled into thinking we have mystical powers of fighting that no "legitimate" fighter has ever used in the ring or cage. At worst, we're charlatans selling a quick fix for those not wanting to put in the work of real martial arts training. 

I have found the most acceptance of aiki when I break things down scientifically (it doesn't hurt that in my school we place a heavy emphasis on practicality), and I'll likely be adding quantum entanglement to my description of the effects of aiki. I urge the internal community to focus more on the science of aiki than the metaphors of past generations. If we hope for mainstream acceptance, and more aren't willing to explore the real fighting applications of aiki through pressure testing, there's no other way to get it...