The founder of Aikido, O Sensei, was once confronted by a student. O Sensei, I dont see the relationship of the triangle, square and circle. O Sensei nodded and smiled and said, There are some secrets that must be stolen.

Now stealing is not something a spiritual person should be doing. One can well ask what in the world O Sensei truly meant. What did he really mean when he advised stealing to his student?

His meaning was that to attain true learning the student must observe the art. He must observe the actions of other people and therein find the hidden meanings of the circle, the triangle, and the square. Most important, he should consider his own practice and search for the trio of geometric figures.

There are some lessons in the martial arts that can be taught. There are other lessons that must be learned. Obviously, this student had reached the stage where he had to stop looking to others and start learning on his own.

The geometrical figures are the secret of the universe. Everything in the universe may be broken down to these three symbols. From the shape of the sun to the house you live in to the molecules of an insect, these three symbols describe the architecture.

The triangle describes the structure of the body in the martial arts. A triangle can be seen in the joining of two bones. Mere standing can be described by imagining lines from the feet to the Tan Tien (a place of energy located just below the navel).

Every motion of the hands illustrates a circle. Kicking or blocking or striking or throwing, all can be defined by understanding the simplicity of a circle. ACtually, trying not to make a circle with any motion of the hands is extremely difficult.

The square, of course, doesnt exist in the martial arts. The square might exist in a window, or a picture, or even a door, but the martial arts has no conceivable place where a square can be imagined. The only exception to this would be if you have reached the stage of being able to steal your martial arts.

Tags: Self Defence