The Principle of Ai Uchi

     Today's Sport Karate athletes probably do not know what Ai uchi is. The tournament rules have changed so much to make the sport more exciting, particularly  in Kumite or sparring. Back in the 90's I used to compete in the Kumite event. When both players deliver scoring techniques simultaneously, the referee declares "Ai Uchi" and no point is awarded to either player. In certain Kali or Arnis style they call this "double kill". 

   The concept of Ai Uchi meaning "mutual killing" comes from the Japanese Sword play or Ken-do. Ancient Japanese Sword play schools have emphasized Ai Uchi in their training. The ancient Swordsman was willing to sacrifice his own life for the death of his enemy; he accepted the inevitability of his death. His detachment to his own life enables him to fight more effectively to save or preserve the life of his family, his Lord or his honor. He knew and understood the greater value of life. His purpose was greater than his own. The Swordsman can sacrifice his life because he has no regrets and is fully content otherwise he will hesitate and his actions will falter. In battle he was very committed and determined to win.

   Ai Uchi is the mentality and the attitude when we do Sen no sen wherein you attack at the same time your opponent attacks. But to get the score you must be faster and hit your opponent before his technique hits you. The 15th Niju Kun "Think of your hands and feet as swords" make us truly understand the life and death situation

"Think that your hands
and feet are swords"

of the Swordsman. You had already stabbed or cut your opponent before his sword hit you as well; also when we do Sen sen no sen where you are able to strike your opponent as he is about to come in for a preemptive attack and you hit him before he can even throw his technique. There must be no hesitation otherwise you will be in more danger of getting hurt. 

    It definitely feels good to win but to gain the spirit of Ai Uchi, the desire to win should be the motivation to practice very hard. Your purpose should be bigger than yourself, is it for your family? for God? for your club? or for your country? Finally while in a bout do not think you have to lose(fear of death). If you have put in 110% in your training  then you should have no regrets, just focus on

"Sen sen no sen"
(Photo by mlmvillegas)

fighting your opponent.  

     In defending your friend or family from threat; knowing that if the bad guys get through you means death to your love ones, then you have to have the courage to put your life on the line and to have the determination to eliminate the threat. This is an extreme case scenario. 

     In our normal; daily lives as Karatekas, the spirit of Ai Uchi is to be able to give to others and be kind (self-sacrifice). Even a simple smile or saying encouragements so they will succeed is already giving. We are not afraid of failure (Death). In order to succeed we accept the possibility that we might fail and we learn from our failures. We can sacrifice and be determined to succeed because of a bigger purpose other than ourselves. If we are one of purpose we become more humble and compassionate. If we are always grateful for what we have and if we always do our very best in whatever we do then we will have the courage to help others because we will be content and we will have no regrets. 

     If we are to sacrifice or give ourselves for others constantly for family, friends or community we will need strength. We can draw strength from them but then you would also be taking from them and eventually they will run low. It is best to look up the sky.

     
     

To God be the glory.