Understanding Kappo: The Healing Arts (Part 3)

Author: Bret Gordon

Now that we understand what Kiko and Reiki are and how they work, let's discuss their  (and the healing arts in general) relation to the martial arts. The connection between Kiko and Aiki Jujutsu is clear, as the breathing exercises that pressurize and oxygenate your body when done properly can help to develop the neural pathways necessary for the aiki body. Kiko teaches you how to connect various parts of your body so that you learn to move as a single, cohesive unit, and how to coordinate your movements with your breath.

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.

Many sources claim that Dr. Usui, the founder of Reiki, was an avid martial artist, including that he held Menkyo Kaiden in Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu. While that particular claim cannot be true, as Daito Ryu did not exist when he is supposed to have started training and did not have any level of license close to a Menkyo Kaiden until well after his death in 1926, it is likely he had some exposure to the martial arts given the relationship between them and Reiki. 

​Reiki emphasizes the integration of spirit, mind, and body, holistic healing. Practitioners learn to quiet the mind and become intuitive to the recipient's needs. By aligning their thoughts, emotions, and intentions with the flow of energy, Reiki practitioners facilitate the body's natural healing processes. Martial artists also prioritize mind-body integration as a fundamental aspect of their training. Through rigorous physical practice and mental discipline, they cultivate a strong connection between their thoughts, movements, and intentions. By maintaining a focused and centered mindset, martial artists can execute techniques with precision, efficiency, and maximum effectiveness.

Reiki practitioners begin each session by grounding themselves so they are best prepared to focus on providing the healing treatment. Grounding techniques, such as visualization, deep breathing, and mindfulness, help practitioners anchor themselves in the present moment and establish a stable foundation for energy work. This grounding process fosters a sense of stability, security, and inner peace. Centering and grounding are fundamental principles in martial arts, essential for maintaining balance, stability, and power during combat. Martial artists learn to root themselves firmly to the ground, maintaining a strong and stable stance that allows for efficient weight distribution and fluid movement. By remaining centered and grounded, martial artists can withstand external forces, maintain their balance, and execute techniques with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

​While Reiki is primarily associated with healing and relaxation, its principles can also be applied to martial arts for self defense and injury recovery. Reiki practitioners can use their healing techniques to accelerate the body's natural healing processes, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Receiving Reiki treatments can help martial artists alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and enhance their overall physical and mental resilience. By integrating Reiki into their training regimen, martial artists can optimize their performance, prevent injuries, and maintain a balanced and harmonious state of being.

Both Reiki and martial arts place significant importance on breath control and awareness. In Reiki, deep breathing techniques are often utilized to facilitate relaxation, promote energy flow, and enhance the effectiveness of healing sessions. Similarly, martial artists incorporate breath control into their training to optimize physical performance, maintain focus, and manage stress during combat. 

​Reiki and martial arts both encourage practitioners to trust their intuition and develop heightened awareness of their instincts. In Reiki, practitioners learn to intuitively sense energy imbalances and respond intuitively to the needs of the recipient. Likewise, martial artists rely on instinctual reactions and heightened sensory awareness to anticipate and respond to threats in combat situations. By honing their intuition and instinctual abilities, practitioners can enhance their decision-making skills, react more effectively to dynamic situations, and achieve greater levels of mastery in their respective disciplines.

In our system of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu, we feel the study of Kappo is essential for instructors simply for the safety of their students and is necessary to obtain the higher Dan grades. However, the healing arts themselves when practiced in conjunction with the martial arts can enhance the practitioner's understanding of the body and keep them healthier so they can continue their training. To us, they are not separate disciplines but rather two halves of the whole, and I encourage all of my readers to pursue them. 

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