do’s and don’ts of freeform aikido (and yes, rules are for fools!)

do

• listen, listen, listen
• breathe - use your inhalation to savour your own and your partners energy, your exhalation to release
• look for outwardly expressed intention in you partner - even the intention expressed through simply standing is workable
• convert compression into release-in-connection
• release internal holding and compression through vocalising
• have faith in the connection and allow the work to emerge from your connection

don’t

• trap, hold or restrict your partners movement (or your own!) This creates antipathy and is a recipe for injury to your partner, particularly their joints. We are looking to expand rather than constrict freedom of movement.
• feel obliged to make anything happen!
• cling to your own stability or “form”. Freeform aikido places no value on the conservation of our own balance, or structure - it becomes a pillar of stuckness!
• try and come up with moves or impose your clever ideas on the process - you will sever the connection