Thoughts on the Square, Circle, and Triangle in relation to technique in Aikido.

By Charles Leary

THE RELATION OF SHAPES WITHIN AIKIDO RELATIVE TO TIME AND SPACE.

The Square:   or The Maai, the space occupied by Uke and Nage.

The Circle:     or The Deai, the controlling of that space.

The Triangle:  or The Riai, the blending of Maai and Deai within the technique.

• Maai is continuous
• Deai is instantaneous
• Riai is decisiveness

THE CREATION OF SHAPES WITHIN AIKIDO TECHNIQUE.

The Square: This shape is created by the continuous harmony or symmetry of Uke and Nage at the start of, and during the technique. The Maai.

The Circle: This shape is created by the energy or spirit of the instantaneous tenkan or tia sabaki performed by Nage which envelopes Uke. The Deai.

The Triangle: This shape is created by the decisiveness of Nage executing the technique on Uke. The Riai.

THE REPRESENTATION OF SHAPES IN AIKIDO.

The Square: This shape represents ‘AI” in Aikido for within technique your position in relation to Uke is one of a blending or harmonious position.

The Circle: This shape represents “KI” in Aikido for the movements of tia sabaki are circular in nature. The redirection of energy is circular.

The Triangle: This shape represents “DO” in Aikido for the principals of the square and circle dictate the way and direction the technique must be executed.

Although these shapes have been separated to show their individual creation and representation, they are one. The square, circle, and triangle are ever present throughout the technique as one. One can not exist alone. The Triangle (RIAI) can not exist without the Circle (DEAI). The Circle (DEAI) can not exist without the Square (MAAI).

THE ABOVE CONCEPTS SHOWN IN THE KOKYUNAGE TECHNIQUE.

EXPLANATION OF DRAWING.

As Uke and Nage begin the technique of Kokyunage they are in MAAI, or The Square. As Nage steps back into hanmi (shown in the picture of left hanmi) Uke becomes unbalanced by the DEAI, or The Circle. Notice that MAAI or The Square is still present. Once Uke is unbalanced by the DEAI,  Nage executes the technique through RIAI, or The Triangle. Notice The Square and The Circle are present during RIAI, or The Triangle.