Four Basic Principles for Living

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The four basic principles of Kokikai Aikido are:

These principles underlie every part of the practice of this wonderful art of self-defense. They are also fantastic principles for living everyday life. I tell new students at Rutgers that if they only take one class they can get enduring benefit if they keep these principles in mind.

Here's one way I put them into practice. There are times when I get agitated, angry, or can't stop thinking about something (even though I would like to). First step is to notice that I am agitated, angry, or etc. Then I pick one of the principles and focus on it.

It's amazing how even the "physical" principles, like keeping good posture, or physically relaxing my body, can affect your state of mind.

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