KEEP ONE POINT

One of the 4 Principles of Aikido is 'Keep one Point".
Freely translated means 'focus' or 'center'.

Center point of Aikidoka (perhaps also the people) is in 'hara or tantien or seika no itten', a point which is located about 2 inch below the navel, in physics called 'center of gravity' or 'centarl point of the mass of the human'. It does not own physical shape.

To learn to recognize that point, we can start by remembering when we really-really want to urinate. That's is the area and just drawn forth near to spine.
For women there are thins more easily, if remember the point of pain in lower stomach during menstruation, then the point is around there.

Another way to recognize 'One Point' is as follows:
1. Standing with the relaxed body, legs opened as wide as shoulder.
2. Lift one hand (right for example) to as high as shoulder, so the hand about 90 degrees to the body.
3. When lifting the hand, concentrate to the area around below the navel, feels what happens.
4. Hand still in position, then lift one leg (with the same hand up), feels what happens around below the navel
5. Silent a moment, about 2-3 seconds, the concentration is still around below the navel.
6. Lower hand and feet simultaneously with the normal speed, not too slow or toofast.

When the 'sense' could have felt, then we can train to lift and lower it slower or faster, and practice to maintain the 'one-point'.

Usually something will be felt around the stomach caused by changes in the location of the center point of gravity of the body.

Once you recognize the point, 'familiarize' the point by always make it as the center of every movements and activities everyday, from walking, sitting, standing, running, lifting the scoop, closing the door, etc. Then more trained in the techniques of Aikido.

Always Be patient and persistent...

Allohumma 'qod balaghtu, FASHAD..!
O Allah, I have told it, then be my WITNESS..!

hopefully useful,
Allahu'alam bishshowab...