Article 1: The Centre Line

Training Session 1: Chushin Rokyu 1

After the Mustard Sensei Seminar I am of course left with so many elements that I need to practice, but I believe the most fundamental is generating power from your centre line.  This is known in Japanese as Chushin Rokyu.

Firstly where is the centre line?

I think the best place to start with this is one of my Aikido idols Takeno Sensei.  My understanding of the center line is that it runs in an unbroken line from the nap of the neck to the ankle in a straight line.

We can clearly see this here in Takeno Sensei's application of Kote Gaeshi.

It should also be noted that the center line should not only be established at the end of a technique, but also right at the beginning when in a more narrow kamae, also when sat in seiza, cutting with a sword, catching with a jo and even when you are making uke (photo examples of this to follow).

Secondly, how do we establish this power?
When taking uke for Mustard Sensei two things a very clear, one how you feel very little during the transition points of the technique and two how very powerful the end of the waza (technique) is.  No doubt many styles of Aikido learn about the center line, either explicit or implicitly.  For me, the more explicit and reasoned the better. As Mustard Sensei said on the course last weekend, Yoshinkan Aikido has either 1 or 6 basic movements (depending on the answer he wanted).  But it seems to me that being able to slide forward from 60/40 (% weight in your posture) to 80/20 is the most fundamental.  In addition to this Kihon Dosa, Seiza ho and Kokyu ho allow shite (the thrower) to focus on their own posture and mindset without the excitement of wanting to bury someone in the mat. I will cover each of these methods over the next 4 weeks.

Thirdly and finally... what are the benefits of having a strong centre line?
For me at my current stage of development, this is the one and only focus.  Of course making uke for Mustard Sensei shows clearly the stability, speed and power that can be generated from a strong centre line.  It allows shite to throw without over reliance on 'arm power' which is something to be avoided.  Chushin Rokyu, should not be seen as some abstract metaphor, but a physiological alignment that allows shite to focus their power so that it enters uke.  Push ups and weight training will no doubt produce a powerful combatant, but it is not our way.  Muscular development should focus from the waist down, with the exception of the lats.
Strong thigh and stomach muscle are important, as they allow your body to remain centred.

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone I met at the Mustard Sensei seminar and I'm looking forward to the impact that training has had on my Aikido.

Osu.