Aikibojitsu

As martial systems, Aikido and Aikibojitsu are concerned with the generation of peak intensity and precision in the placement of power. Both of these aims are based upon exponential transitions. Attainment of peak intensity in strikes and technical throws requires both intuitive and practical understanding of pure exponential transition.

The Pure Exponential is a fundamental entity, and identifiable yet elusive characteristic underlying change itself. It governs a myriad of observable natural phenomena, and is fundamental to non-resistive martial arts. In its most simple form, an exponential curve arises from the expression

Most open-hand techniques of Aikido and all staff strikes in Aikibojitsu are foundational exponentials, open expressions of the exponential entity at its most pure level. Aikibojitsu's approach to timing, placement and control of power involves methods of strike control that work within infinite limits, incuding complex reflective vibrations that themselves need to be optimized and controlled,

A movement has been optimized when movements that are not integral to the pure exponential have been minimized. An optimized movement is one with a high degree of coordination and precision, not only with respect to intended motion in space, but also with respect to how power is managed through the movement.

In an exponential expression of power, one in which non-contributory movements have been minimized, several identifiable attributes exist. When describing changes in intensity in a staff strike, power build begins with a relatively long period of relatively low intensity, followed by a relatively short transition and very high intensity.

According to the Pure Exonential Entity, in an optimized Aikibojitsu staff strike, in terms of time, relatively low intensity movement predominates. In spite of this low initial level, however, due to the radical transformation of energy that takes place within an exponential, a very hard, high intensity contraction manifests at strike's end. Note that in both figures presented here, the exponential curve has two asymptotes - one emerging from stillness on the left side of the graph, and the other extending infinitely upwards at strike termination. These lines are asymptotes because they extend to infinity, always approaching their respective axes but never reaching them. This is referred to as an asymptotic limit.

Three primary points of fundamental importance present themselves regarding the exponential progression:

1. There is precisely one perfect accelerative curve associated with a given staff in relationship to a given practitioner. This is not arbitrary, and is a function of the upstream determinative principles;

2. The exponential entity is symmetrical, meaning that if a high level of contracted energy is to be manifested at the termination of a strike, it must first exist at an equally high lefel of the decontracted;

3. Development of peak intensity or power, within the symmetry of exponential transition, requires that potential greatly dominate a strike in terms of time.

Thus, practitioners interested in maximization of power and intensity should recognize that explosive power is not just a product of explosive effort. The assumption that greater effort always leads to an increase in final explosive power heavily over-emphasizes the contracted, which truncates the extensional range. The truly explosive move originates instead in a deep, silent, profoudn readiness and high potential, and then unfolds in strict conformance with the Pure Exponential's perfection of shape.

In the potential phase of a pure exponential build (to the left of the intersection of the curve and the line of symmetry), the potential exists in (and is experienced as) a field surrounding the body that carries the potential for intense contractivity, but is not yet expressing it.

This potential field is highly active, not manifesting, but existing as a state of highly charged "waiting" or "holding back." This field is intense and exists external to the body until, upon reacing the exponential breakpoint, it begins to collapse into the body to empower physical technique.

The video to the right shows the primary staff strike of Aikibojitsu, Precessional Yokomen. In this version, the practitioner moves out of stillness to throw a full-power, high intensity strike of high precision. In the strike, every flaw of technique is starkly revealed, the reason why this technique is sometimes referred to as "Naked Yokomen."

The strike is thrown as a pure exponential that develops fully within a single vibratory flexion of the staff. Thus, strike timing is bound to the staff's fundamential vibratory frequency.