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    These are some of the principles formulated by sensei Koichi Tohei.

    Contents

    Four basic principles to unify mind and body
    Five principles of...

    FOUR BASIC PRINCIPLES TO UNIFY MIND AND BODY

    1. KEEP ONE POINT (principle of the mind)

    Seika no itten ni kokoro o shizume toitsu suru
    Calmly realize (your) mind at the One Point in (your) lower abdomen

    2. RELAX COMPLETELY (principle of the body)

    Zenshin no chikara o kanzen ni nuku
    Completely release all tension from the entire body/mind and emotion

    3. KEEP WEIGHT UNDERSIDE (principle of the body)

    Karada no subete no bubun no omome o sono saikabu ni oku
    Let the weight of every part of the body settle at its lowest point

    4. EXTEND KI (principle of the mind)

    Ki o dasu
    Ki is extending (naturally)

    FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR KEEPING ONE POINT

    1. Center on the point in the lower abdomen where you cannot put tension.
    2. Let your body weight fall on your One Point, not your legs or feet.
    3. Your breathing is calm and subtle.
    4. You can accept whatever happens without losing your composure.
    5. Therefore you can do your best at any time.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR RELAXING COMPLETELY

    1. Each part of your body settles in its most natural position.
    2. You relax positively, without collapsing or losing power.
    3. Your sense of presence makes you look bigger than you actually are.
    4. You are strong enough to be relaxed.
    5. Therefore you have an attitude of non-dissension.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR KEEPING WEIGHT UNDERSIDE

    1. You maintain the most comfortable posture.
    2. Your body feels light and does not sag.
    3. Your ki is extending fully.
    4. You are flexible and can adapt to changing conditions.
    5. Therefore you perceive everything clearly.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KI EXTENDING

    1. You are not overly conscious of your body.
    2. You make full use of centrifugal force in your movements.
    3. You have soft eyes and a poised manner.
    4. You show composure in your body.
    5. Therefore you are bright and happy (easygoing).

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KI BREATHING

    1. Breathe out with the sound of HA, gradually and purposefully.
    2. Exhale as calmly and quietly as possible.
    3. At the end of each breath, Ki continues infinitely like a fading sound.
    4. Inhale from the tip of the nose until your body feels saturated with breath.
    5. After inhaling, calm your mind infinitely at the One Point.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KI MEDITATION

    1. You maintain a posture of mastery.
    2. You are letting go, releasing, and have a sense of freedom.
    3. You create an atmosphere of harmony.
    4. You are vividly aware of the spirit of life in Universe Itself.
    5. Therefore you can feel the movement of Ki of the Universe.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KI EXERCISE

    1. Movements center on and begin from the one point in the lower abdomen.
    2. Ki is extending fully in each movement.
    3. A natural and relaxed posture (free and easy movement).
    4. Forget your muscles, no tension.
    5. Feel clear rhythm in your movements.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF JO WITH KI

    1. The line traced by the staff is never broken (The tip of the staff is always in motion)
    2. Manipulate the staff freely
    3. Control the staff with the rear hand
    4. When changing the position of the staff, one hand must always have hold
    5. Perform with confidence

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF KI TESTING

    1. Not a test of strength, but a test of whether or not the mind moves.
    2. Give instruction appropriate to the level of the student.
    3. Test in order to teach, not in order to contest.
    4. Learn by testing others.
    5. The test merely points the way, and is not an end in itself.

    FIVE PRINCIPLES OF LEADING OTHERS

    1. KI IS EXTENDING

    To be safe and successful in both the dojo and daily life, you must learn to allow your Ki to extend naturally.

    2. KNOW YOUR PARTNER’S MIND

    In order to take the appropriate action for a given situation, you must understand your partner's intent. Diligent training is required to cultivate this sensitivity.

    3. RESPECT YOUR PARTNER’S KI

    The martial arts begin and end with courtesy and respect.

    4. PUT YOURSELF IN THE PLACE OF YOUR PARTNER

    If you know your partner's mind and respect their Ki, then it's simple and natural for you to be willing to put yourself in their place. Many techniques begin with physically putting yourself in your partner's place.

    5. PERFORM OR LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE

    Without confidence, successful performance of any task is difficult.

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