RICHARD HARNACK
In 1979, I addressed this meeting on the use of KI in touching. In that presentation, the emphasis was on learning how to use a lighter touch on the points. Today, I am now ready to present for- mally some more principles of AIKI. These particular principles have to do with being cen- tered within ourselves.
AIKI-DO is literally the way of harmonizing with the universal energy. As a martial art, one of the earliest practices we experience is how to move and turn from our center. Outwardly this movement is simple in appearance – a simple gliding step forward and pivot. Yet many find this movement difficult to master, not because it is difficult in and of itself, but because they move from all other parts of their body/being, except their center. What then is our center? Where is it located? How can I “use” it?