White Belt — Ukemi and the Principle of Harmony — Aikido — Hobika

## White Belt — Ukemi and the Principle of Harmony

Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the 1920s. Unlike striking arts, aikido redirects an attacker's force — meeting aggression with flow rather than resistance.

### The Principle of Aiki
Aiki means blending with an incoming force. You do not stop a punch; you redirect it. You do not resist a push; you guide it past you. This requires relaxation, not tension.

### Ukemi in Aikido
Aikido ukemi is typically rolling rather than falling.

Mae-ukemi (Forward Roll)
1. Extend one arm as a curved rail from fingertips to the shoulder.
2. Roll along this arm, across the back, to the opposite hip.
3. Stand smoothly — the roll is one continuous motion.

Ushiro-ukemi (Backward Roll)
1. Tuck chin, lower gently.
2. Roll back along one side of the spine.
3. Come to standing or to a seated guard posture.

### Hanmi Stance
Aikido's basic stance: one foot forward, weight 50/50, body at 45° to the opponent. This gives a small target profile and allows movement in any direction.

### Dojo Etiquette
- Bow to the kamiza (front of dojo) when entering and leaving.
- Bow to your partner before and after each practice.
- The person receiving technique (uke) must commit to realistic attacks for the technique to work.