Preparation Cycle Introduction

After 12 years of teaching Aikido, Edward Suomin has systematized his knowledge and research experience to share the comprehensive set of instructional materials about Aikido suitable for any person regardless of any physical or spiritual practice experiences. Edward Suomin presents Aikido as spiritual practice available for all people beyond nations, traditions, place, age and other constraints of our physical world. Edward Suomin insists that Aikido has to be applied as the tool to expand perception of the reality by reaching the dimension of intentions with the help of special actions (Aikido techniques) and the focused environment (AikiLab).

Edward Suomin says that “Aikido is not something exotic and attributed to a certain culture. The question is what pleasures are you seeking in your life – physical power, domination, or, maybe, esthetic, etc.? Everything is wrong until you reveal the true desire inside yourself. Only then can you see the true purpose of Aikido (as an instrument to get what you really need) and organize your practice for the highest value. Aikido is the tool for internal transformation created and left for us (all people) by the Founder of Aikido, Morihey Ueshiba. Your attitude defines the direction where you are going; and technical things in Aikido are only the means to reach the internal”.

Preparation Cycle © 2012 — 2013

A distinctive feature of Aikido is that it leads the person from external (technical) to internal (attitude, perception). Therefore, it is vital how to approach technical aspects of Aikido practice to maintain ultimate values and sustain capability of internal focus while progressing in the physical shell (matter and actions). The “Preparation Cycle” considers fundamental technical concepts of Aikido – the physical shell - as the guidelines for start as well as a reference platform to organize and tune the Aikido practice.

The “Preparation Cycle” consists of two sequential parts which are (1) “Basic Positions and Movements” and (2) “Basic Techniques”. The “Preparation Cycle” will serve as a platform for the following “First Progress Cycle” as well as for your entre future Aikido Practice.

For efficient start, do not hurry and pay attention to the details of the instructions to progress safely in your body building process. Be aware and avoid undesirable injuries. Always warm up before practice. Consult your doctor before starting Aikido practice, if you have any restrictions as to performing physical exercises.