Carolina van Haperen - integrale Aikido Amsterdam

Shikkō (膝行) is the traditional Japanese method of moving while kneeling in the seiza position. Instead of standing, you move smoothly across the floor by gliding the knees and driving the motion from the hips while keeping an upright posture.

Proper shikkō emphasizes relaxed shoulders, balanced posture, and quiet, controlled movement. The hips generate the motion, while the knees slide with minimal lifting and the body shifts its weight smoothly without unnecessary rocking. The hands rest naturally on the thighs, ready to move if needed.

Historically, shikkō was an important part of Japanese etiquette on tatami floors. It allowed people to move respectfully in the presence of high-ranking individuals without standing, while still remaining balanced and prepared to respond if the situation required it.

In aikido, when we visually copy or imitate technique we might obtain a good physical look.
That is the start, and from there we can refine into a proficient exterior core.
But what is also present but absent?
In other words, what are some of the unseen ‘felt’ sensations?

We may begin with grounding and centering, then sense the feel of fully connecting with harmony. We might proceed into noticing our body integration/coordination and the power of moving with a whole integrated and aligned body.
Additionally, can we notice the nature of how we ‘receive to redirect’? Namely the quality of our absorption and compression into extending? We do not collide, we do not force.
Are we spatially able to view, in our minds eye, trajectory and spirals? Can we calibrate and adapt accordingly a response with a timing and rhythm to extend and expand?
And can we sustain ‘relaxing’ into a created and opposite tension, realizing the depth of this intention, the potential combined with a breath and a calm?

These are all felt, not visually apparent.
If we choose to remain exteriorly oriented our aikido may still ‘work’.
But if we choose to go deeper, we may discover the magnitude of how essential these mindfully felt sensations are.
They help us gain a deeper understanding. Principles become exceedingly apparent, and we manifest into a felt efficiency.

Sensations are not easily described through words, we must ‘listen’ with the body, perceive, discern, and intuit.
We imagine and visualize into a reality.
To come to a full understanding, all of these components must be mindfully experienced.

Oral description, words, and cognition alone are not enough.
Information is important yes, but incomplete.
Logic and reason represent only a very thin layer on the shiny surface of the mind.
The ‘felt’ Body wisdom is only attained through the intentionally practiced experience.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

Zen is not found in exotic lands, rare moments, or mystical highs.

It is discovered in the quiet rhythm of daily life—folding clothes with full attention, washing dishes without hurry, walking without distraction.

True practice is not an escape from the ordinary, but a return to it—with presence.

When we stop chasing peak experiences, we begin to see the sacred in the simple.

In this way, every moment—no matter how ordinary—becomes a gateway to awakening.

— from "99 Zen Moments"
Available on Amazon.

Surprises of aikido friends, yesterday in Arnhem, after my demo.