31/08/2015
Being grounded and centered is essential for good Aiki technique. Diligently strike the bokken as this is a tool that studies both. Relax and allow gravity to define your center. Anchor that back foot. 'Feel' this experience.
Pay attention to the breath as well. Exhaling naturally makes us heavier if we give our mind to it. Drop the shoulders and allow the ribs to go "down". The breath ends in our core muscles and center. Ground down, sink and be heavy.
Imagery helps visualize rooting into the earth, but delve deeper, extend into the Earth's core not just below the surface. Feel your own core and center. This may give access to becoming immovable.
Over time, with consistent training, grounding and centering result as we release tension and learn to relax.