Suggested readings from Sensei Don Cardoza

The Spirit of Aikido, by Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Aikido, by Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Aikido and the Harmony of Nature, by Mitsugi Saotome
The Principles of Aikido, by Mitsugi Saotome
Aikido and the Way of Harmony, by John Stevens
Abundant Peace, by John Stevens
Ki in Daily Life, by Tohei
Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, by A. Westbrook and O. Ratti
It's a Lot Like Dancing: An Aikido Journey, by Terry Dobson
The New Aikido Complete, by Yoshimitsu Yamada
Aikido with Ki, by Koretoshi Maruyama
Budo Teachings of the Founder of Aikido, by Morihei Ueshiba
The Magic of Conflict Workshop for Young People, by Thomas Crum
The Anatomy of Change, by Richard Strozzi Heckler

"The Instinctive Mind Is Like The Empty Sky"

Words of Ueshiba, Morihei

"Regardless of how fast or slow my attacker advances, I will not be taken off guard nor defeated. This is not because my technique is faster than that of my opponent. Fast and slow are of no consequence. The contest has already been decided from the beginning, Merely by having the intention to fight with one who embodies the universe, my attacker has fixed his mind on violating the harmony of nature itself. In other words, the moment my attacker fixes his attention on fighting with me, he has already lost."

"You should never be caught in the mistaken idea that you are a person with deep karma, that you have many problems, or that you are one of little value. This is insulting not only to yourself but also to every one around you who shares the same origin. The only thing that is wrong or useless is one's insistence that they are an individual, separate from others. Give thanks and show gratitude to your guardian spirits. In this way your true nature will unfold and become more and more apparent to you."

"The instinctive mind is like the empty sky (ku) drawing everything to itself. It creates the desire for food, sex, children, knowledge, and finally love. At this point it becomes again the energy of high tide, throwing the waves of creative mental energy back on the beaches of humanity."

Principles of Aikido

1. Maintain one-point

2. Relax completely

3. Keep weight underside

4. Extend ki