The most important teaching in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido training is to “Extend Ki.” When people hear the phrase, “Extend Ki,” some people perceive it as something abstract and spiritual, but that is different from the original meaning. This is not something we “think with our heart” or “think with our head”, either. To Extend Ki means to take action, and it is the concrete action itself.
What taught me this was an event I witnessed with my own eyes when I was a child. At that time, there was a student who diligently attended the dojo, but one day, he was involved in an unfortunate traffic accident and was forced to use a wheelchair.
One day, when those around him were worried that it might be difficult for him to continue practicing Aikido, he showed up at the dojo with his helper. He then requested, “Please allow me to take the scheduled promotion test.”
“I cannot move, but I can speak.” – His words were filled with determination.
At the dojo, the prevailing sentiment was negative, with many saying, “We can’t give special treatment for the promotion examination.” But when Koichi Tohei sensei heard this, he gathered the instructors and sternly rebuked them saying:
“What have you been teaching at the dojo all this time?! It is true that, he can no longer perform the techniques because of the accident. But instead of lamenting what he can’t do, he is trying to find what he can do now and put all his effort into it. This is what it means to Extend Ki!”
The voice of this student during the examination was impressive and resonated throughout the entire dojo with remarkable clarity. Koichi Tohei sensei offered him the highest praise, saying, “You passed.” The student responded with tears welling in his eyes, “I will continue to Extend Ki and live my life.”
After undergoing extensive rehabilitation, the student was able to successfully return to society. By “Extending Ki”, he took charge of his own life journey.
When we face difficulties, our immediate view is often filled with things we cannot do. But, when our minds become fixated on what we cannot do, our Ki quickly stagnates/gets stuck and we will lose our power. No matter how difficult the situation may seem, there is always something we can do. Not lamenting what we “cannot do”, but doing our best at what we “can do”; this is what it means to “Extend Ki”.
The same applies to our daily lives. Instead of just waiting for motivation to come to us, taking action on what we can do right in front of us — no matter how small it may seem — is exactly what Extending Ki means.
When we Extend Ki, new Ki naturally flows in. By extending our own Ki first, stagnant or blocked Ki will gradually be cleared. As the result, we reach a state of fulfillment in both body and mind, where our “Ki is Extending (flowing freely)”, for the first time.
Whether or not our Ki is Extending/flowing freely or getting stuck/stagnant is clearly reflected in “how we feel” and “how we perceive things” in all sorts of everyday situations. This difference is clearly evident in how one feels and perceives things in all sorts of everyday situations.
When our Ki is Extending, we can savor the flavors of our food with remarkable clarity and truly appreciate the kindness of those around us. Conversely, when our Ki is stuck/ stagnant, even the most delicious meal may taste bland, and someone’s kindness might even feel like a nuisance.
If we wish to live bright and positive days, we need to maintain a state where our Ki is always extending. In order to do this, we must “Extend Ki”. That is, take the first step we can take right now, at this very moment.
I myself practice Extending Ki every day.
Translated by Mayumi Case
Edited by David Shaner
Eastern Ki Federation
https://easternkifederation.org/
Original article in Japanese: ｢氣を出す｣とは行動すること (｢Ki o dasu｣ towa kōdō suru koto)
February 1, 2026
https://shinichitohei.com/japanese/01-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%a9%e3%83%a0/36784/
