Ikkyo, The First Moment

Sept. 4, 1991

Mark J. Norton


I recently purchased Mitsugi Saotomi's book on Aikido. Having met Mr. Saotomi many years ago in his Washington dojo, I was quite interested to see what kind of book he had written (1989, Shambala Press). I was not disappointed. The book is full of insight into Aikido drawn from Mr. Saotomi's study under O-Sensei and his long practice since. Many of the techniques are illustrated using weapons (boken and jo).

One concept in particular struck me as important. Saotomi says that O-Sensei stressed Ikkyo as the central point of Aikido. This goes beyond the simple "first technique" exercises that beginners learn. Ikkyo also means "first moment", ie. the instant of time when two opponents meet. It is in this instant that the adept Aikidoka will move. Several techniques are pre-emptive in nature and result in the attacker being defeated almost before he attacks.

Ikkyo relies heavily on an anticipatory sense and a strong Irimi movement. Long training allows the practioner to sense what an opponent is likely to do. This allows a defense to be applied before the attack is begun. This "sixth sense" was so highly developed in O-Sensei that he could always anticipate when an attack was coming, even when he couldn't see the attacker (from behind, in the dark, etc.). Ueshiba stressed boldness of response to attack. Respond quick and powerfully. Enter strongly. Indeed, this tends to cover potential errors of anticipation, because a strong spirit alone does much to intimidate.

It is not clear that this principal can be taught. It might best be left to the developing experience of the student. Anticipation without skill is useless. It leads to error. I think this is so because the "sixth sense" that Saotomi describes is not a conscious anticipation, but rather a different one altogether. When I have consciously tried to anticipate how a partner will move, I am often wrong. There have been other times, however, when my mind flows like water, with little coherent thought. Concentration is not on any one point, but rather on all that is near. This is state approaches Mushin (no-mind). In this state, I have noticed the ability to understand what will happen in the encounter. No thought goes into this, but retrospective contemplation reveals that the body "does the right thing". To pratice Ikkyo, strive for the no-mind state. Act appropriately and decisively.