I’ve encountered various teaching methods and curriculums designed to optimize a student’s development along their personal aikido journey.
These approaches emphasise similar “stages” of physical and ethical/ideal growth that students are encouraged to move through as they progress. Some of these foundational stages—such as kihon (basics) and ki-no-nagare (flow of energy)—are well-known to most aikido practitioners. Others, such as ekitai, kitai, or ha-ri, may be less familiar.
Two frameworks for the learning process that I’ve encountered are:
The four stages described and adopted by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, and the Shu-Ha-Ri principle, which mainly addresses the ideals and philosophical process of mastering a skill.
The Four Stages: Kotai, Jutai, Ryutai, (Ekitai) and Kitai
Morihei Ueshiba described the progression of aikido through four stages: kotai, jutai, ryutai, and kitai. Some aikido organizations condense these four stages into three by eliminating ryutai, while others introduce an additional stage, ekitai, which represents a transitional level between ryutai and kitai.
KOTAI: The Fundamental Stage
Kotai represents the most basic level of practice, often referred to as “static” or kihon (fundamental) practice. In this stage, the uke (attacker) delivers a firm grab or realistic strike, and the nage (receiver) responds with a basic technique. These techniques, known as kihon-waza, focus on developing a stable stance, a strong foundation, and correct body mechanics, while learning the angles and movements that form the core of aikido.
JUTAI: The Soft Body
The next stage, jutai, literally translates to “soft body” and is often described as yawarakai (flexible). At this level, students begin to adapt to less structured attacks, incorporating blending into their practice. Though they still adhere to the technical structure learned during the kihon stage, they begin to develop a greater sense of fluidity and flexibility in their movements.
RYUTAI: The Flowing Body
Ryutai, sometimes called ki-no-nagare (flow of energy), is a more dynamic stage of practice. Here, nage learns to sense the uke’s attacks and responds by flowing with the energy, leading, and adapting to the changing nature of the attack. The movements become more intuitive, as the practitioner develops a heightened awareness of timing, distance, and rhythm.
EKITAI: The Gaseous Body
In some schools, a transitional stage called ekitai is introduced between ryutai and kitai. Literally translating to “gaseous body,” this stage marks a point where aikido becomes almost synonymous with breathing. At this level, nage harmonises their breath with that of the uke, allowing the breath itself to guide movement. The techniques become less rigid and more inspired by the unique demands of the moment, demonstrating the internalization of aikido’s principles. This stage is often described as a time of psychological and physical “shift,” where instinctual responses based on fear or aggression are replaced by a more intelligent, non-reactive form of responsiveness.
KITAI: The Energy Body
Kitai, which translates to “energy body,” represents the culmination of technical skill in aikido. At this level, one has transcended basic technique and entered a state of no-mind (mushin). As described in the Shu-Ha-Ri model, this stage is about surpassing technical knowledge and embodying aikido’s principles in a spontaneous, effortless way.
The Shu-Ha-Ri Model: A Journey of ideals
The Shu-Ha-Ri model describes three stages in the process of self-realization: first, learn, then detach, and finally transcend. This model offers a philosophical framework for understanding aikido’s progression and is believed to have been inspired by the 17th-century Samurai master Sekiun Harigaya Usai.
Shu-Ha-Ri can be visualized as concentric circles, with Shu at the center, surrounded by Ha, and both Shu and Ha contained within Ri. The fundamental techniques and knowledge remain constant throughout this process.
SHU: The Stage of Learning
Shu can be translated as “to protect,” “defend,” “obey,” or “stick to.” In this stage, the student absorbs and practices the fundamental techniques and teachings without modification. The emphasis is on repetition and learning the basics with total openness and humility, protecting the integrity of the art. Physically, the student trains and conditions their body, while mentally, they learn how to focus attention and generate internal energy.
HA: The Stage of Detachment
Ha translates as “to break,” “tear,” or “destroy.” During this stage, the student begins to move away from rigid adherence to tradition. They begin to modify or reconstruct what they’ve learned, discarding techniques or concepts that are no longer useful to them. This stage can be a period of frustration for both the student and teacher, as the student seeks to integrate new knowledge and break free from limitations.
Mentally, this stage represents deep self-inquiry and reflection, where the student gains a clearer understanding of their own potential and begins to find their unique path. It is also a time when more experienced students may begin to support beginners, helping them take their first steps on the path.
RI: The Stage of Transcendence
Ri can be translated as “to leave,” “to separate,” or “to transcend.” In this stage, the student has mastered the techniques, knowledge, and experience necessary for proficiency in aikido. They no longer rely on external guidance or forms. Instead, the student’s movements become spontaneous, natural, and seamless. The “Mind of No-Mind” emerges, and the practitioner transcends technique, embodying aikido’s principles in every moment.
The journey through Aikido
The highest levels of mastery, as represented by kitai or ri, are rare achievements. Personally, I find myself scratching around the foothills of Ki-no-nagre (ryutai flowing body) stage of aikido.
For me, training provides a welcome respite from everyday life, a place where I can engage in focused practice within an art that is both enjoyable and challenging. In aikido, I’ve come to appreciate the concept of shoshin—the “beginner’s mind.” This attitude of openness and eagerness keeps the practice fresh and allows me to grow, no matter what stage I find myself in.
What’s your take?
