Taigi and Relax Taiso

I have done extensive traveling to both study and teach Ki-Aikido and have heard many comments concerning the benefits (or lack) of Taigi and Relax Taiso. Usually the negative comments come from Intermediate Yudansha. Comments like, "Only Japanese can stand this music," or "This isn't real Martial training," from students who teach and subsequently represent Ki no Kenkyukai causes me to respond.

When Taigi and relax Taiso were first being developed I was in Japan. At that time, many senior level teachers there also expressed some reservations about these forms of practice. After some time, most of these teachers saw why Tohei Sensei had developed these forms. They recognized their value and supported the practice. A few teachers continued to resist and finally left Ki no Kenkyukai.

These practices are given to us directly from Tohei Sensei. While we can respect a senior practitioner who can exemplify Tohei Sensei's way without the aid of Taiso or Taigi, it seems rather presumptuous for those who have a less than advanced understanding to pick and choose among the guides which Tohei Sensei gives us. It would be like saying, "I like Koteoroshi but I won't do shihonage" or "Sitting seiza is cool, but bowing is out." Tohei Sensei has always said that all of these vehicles are for the purpose of Coordination of Mind and Body. Until we have either exhausted their usefulness or can demonstrate our understanding, we owe it to ourselves do our best to pass on these teachings developed through the great effort of our teacher as clearly as possible.