Shuchu-Ryoku (Focused Power)

The power that is developed by unifying the whole body

When we used physical strength, we normally assume we are dependent on the power of our muscles. In aikido, however, the power of the hips, legs, knees, abdomen and so forth, are joined together and are then focused into one point, whether it is the arm or the shoulder or the elbow and in that way the power we develop is greater than the power of the muscles alone. This power is called Shuchu-Ryoku, or focused power.

If the body as a whole moves in an unfocused way, this sort of power cannot be developed. By using shuchu-ryoku, all of the power that is brought together from the whole body can be sent out through one point. If one part is too quick, or is late, it will not work. If the whole body is integrated as it moves, its power will be the power of the focused center line concentrated into one point. To put it another way, shuchu-ryoku is chushin-ryoku at its extreme.

In order to develop shuchu-ryoku it is important not to depend on the strength of the upper body. If you do use that strength, the flow of energy will be stopped and you will not be able to transmit shuchu-ryoku. Therefore, in developing concentrated power, it is important to ensure that your body is in a relaxed mode.

In aikido techniques, it is entirely through this concentrated power that the power of the techniques is developed. The purpose of training in basic techniques is to establish in the body the ability to produce shuchu-ryoku.

The "trick" to concentrated power is in the big toe. When we fix the big toe to the floor, power comes into the hips. To that power you can then add the acceleration of the "spring"action of the knee. If these movements are all done together, a very powerful force is developed. Because of this, developing the big toes through, for example, kneeling techniques are very important.