AI - Harmony
No other principle in aikido has been more misunderstood or misrepresented than the principle of harmony. Where harmony already exists there is no need for aikido techniques.
Many teachers demand harmony from students from their first training sessions. Little or no resistance at all is given, with the receiver actively aiding his partner in the execution of the technique. Initially tori must harmonise with uke by seeking out his weak points so as to unbalance him. Uke must give a sincere, accurate and committed attack. Tori must develop the confidence to move accurately in time and space to defeat the attack. Any harmony from uke defeats the purpose of training.
At an advanced level, Uke may have to harmonise once his balance is broken so as to execute a safe breakfall. The aikidoka learns to harmonise with the attacker with the express purpose of breaking that harmony so as to destroy the attacker's balance prior to the throw or pin. A properly executed technique breaks the timing, distancing and balance of the attacker.
Harmony in aikido is the ability to cause the attacker to move where and when to the dictates of the aikidoka.
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