Historical March 1994 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
On Saturday, March 5, at 4pm, the St. Louis Ki Society will host a neighborhood get together (free of charge) for Skinker DeBaliviere area residents at its main school at 6006 Pershing.
We would like to introduce ourselves to our neighbors. Though we have been in the neighborhood for nearly fifteen years, many residents have little or no idea who or what we are. Along with snacks and beverages, we will present a demonstration of Aikido and Ki Development.
This type of training originated in the philosophies and traditions of Japanese martial arts.
The following is a very brief explanation of what we do.
Please come by at the above time or at any class time to see it for yourself. Ki Development training uses specific techniques and exercises to teach “Mind and Body Unification,” a centered, calm, and relaxed state that can be maintained in action and at rest. Ki (pronounced like key) is a Japanese word typically defined as mind, spirit, or heart.
In oriental medicine and martial arts, the word Ki (Qi or Chi in Chinese) refers to a subtle form of vital energy.
A working definition of Ki is awareness and connection, within mind and body, and with everything else. Students develop an increased sense of community with others and union with nature. Aikido is a martial art in which the techniques are designed not to cause pain or injury, but to move the whole body of a person.
This usually results in an immobilization (pin) or projection (throw) of an attacker. Students learn pre-arranged attack/defense moves and perform them with many repetitions to develop technical skill and graceful movement. Students are taught to safely receive Aikido techniques by properly falling and rolling away, instead of resisting.
There is no free fighting, sparring, or competition in practice. Aikido training has the calming, relaxing, and centering benefits of Ki Development, with the challenge of maintaining this physical and mental attitude in the midst of vigorous and technically complex activity. Regular training helps produce a high level of physical fitness.
The selfdefense aspects of Aikido are based on avoiding or escaping conflict, not on a stand and fight attitude.
With sufficient training, advanced practitioners may control and subdue a violent person. Aikido has been used successfully by law enforcement, corrections, and mental health professionals. Still, the major focus is on self-improvement through Mind and Body Unification. Ki Society training began in St. Louis in 1979.
The St. Louis Ki Society was incorporated in 1989 as a nonprofit educational institution to foster the continuation of this training in the metropolitan area.
The St. Louis Ki Society provides training and instruction for all people regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or religious preference.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1994.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1994_03.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
