In the very early days of my Aikido journey I was attending an area course that was being hosted by the Bath club at Bath Spa University. The day was being taught by Sensei Williams and the course was very busy with a real buzz of excitement.
Sensei taught us several things that day, but for me one exercise stood out in particular. The exercise involved placing our hand on the top of our partner’s head and then dropping our feeling through our partner.
I was diligently practising the exercise as best I could, walking the tightrope between not falling unnecessarily and resistance. As previously mentioned, the mat was very busy and unbeknown to me Sensei was watching my partner and myself doing the exercise. Without me realizing Sensei placed his hand on top of my partner’s hand to give them a helping hand. Sensei sent his feeling straight through me. Unsurprisingly I ended up on the floor!
For me this was proof beyond any doubt of the existence of Ki. I had no idea that Sensei was there and so wasn’t complying because it was him and I didn’t feel any physical force where I might have been pushed. I had gone from standing to being on the mat, albeit a bit surprised.
Twenty seven years later my Aikido journey continues, still polishing my practice and enjoying the travel down the inverted pyramid.
Mark Telford
Sarum Ki Aikido Club