How Aikido Works

A committed attack is necessary for aikido to manifest. Committed attacks must send energy outside the body of the attacker for the attack to be effective. This energy extension will unbalance the attacker. Aikidoists must not resist this energy extension or it will stabilize our partner. If we withdraw it will draw our partner forward as he reflexively catches himself. But if we support him he will not feel himself go off balance and follow his trajectory to the ground.