How to study Ki?

To master something, first, you need to copy what a good model does.
To copy a good model, it is important to watch it very carefully.
It is necessary to take notes and listen to the explanation. However, the most important thing is to watch carefully.
The person who watches things well will improve quickly.
There are many people who start things without studying the model thoroughly. In this case, there cannot be much improvement.
However, here is the important point:
We begin by watching the shape of the model. Once we understand the shape, we should move beyond the shape.
”Mind moves body”. Therefore, not only does the shape matter, but if you master the state of mind of the model, you will be able to master the essence of what the model shows.
For example, let’s say you try to master Ki Breathing.
First, you will be taught a natural posture and how to exhale naturally. You will watch and copy what your instructor does.
Once you understand correct posture and how to exhale, next, it is important to watch the state of mind of the instructor and what he thinks.
To tell the truth, I had difficulty with Ki Breathing in the beginning. Even if I tried to do it the same way as my teacher did, I had difficulty in breathing.
However, one day I had a change to be taught by Koichi Tohei Sensei directly. At that time, I was interested in what Tohei Sensei is thinking when he does Ki Breathing.
I realized that Tohei sensei did not think “breath out longer”, “breath out well” or “look good”.
”Without thinking any unnecessary thing at all, just do Ki breathing with a peaceful feeling.” Since I began practicing it this way, I have been able to do Ki Breathing very comfortably.
I am still developing, therefore it is too early to say I have mastered Ki Breathing. However, it was a precious experience for me that I could at least do Ki Breathing comfortably, which I had not been able to do by just copying the form or shape of Ki Breathing.
For those studying Ki-Aikido, Kiatsu therapy, etc. it is important to watch the state of mind, not only watch the shape of the movement, or listen to the explanation.
Let’s practice together.