What Kitaido can do for you
Kitaido offers a system of movement that develops our expressive range of Ki (energy), helping us to externalise and open into the world. It also develops internal sensing, directing attention and awareness internally to become more restful, relaxed and supported. In so doing it can help us connect to a greater part of who we are through our bodies, harmonising our internal and external Ki.
The forms of Kitaido
The foundation of Kitaido is its forms or basic movements / postures. The forms of Kitaido reflect natural images of nature. These natural images resonate with the inherent yearning we have to explore and affirm our lives in our world. They give a focus and depth to our body and Ki, developing a sense of gravity or centre and stability. They develop deep concentration that helps us in a distracting and attention seeking world. They bring power into our bodies by creating resilience and strength.
Kitaido has grouped forms with movement, known as kata, that develop the basic forms into a deep and expressive dance of energy, movement and body. These kata help us infuse ourselves with vitality and link our bodies with a greater sense of space, connection to the universe and our own existence.
Movement and expression
Kitaido encourages spontaneous movement, helping us liberate our energy (Ki) and allow free unpremeditated expression. This is extremely healthy and can help us in releasing mental and physical toxins. Spontaneous movement can bring us to the source of our own natural pure energy and primal movement, helping to bring more creativity into our lives. It also brings the fun and simple joy of moving ourselves.
The range and spectrum of movement and Ki expression is very adaptable and we can use it according to the cycle of energy and the condition we are in, whether this be a more internal nurturing period or a searching, expressive time.
The benefits of Kitaido
Feeling greater vitality and resilience in our body mind will give us greater confidence. It gives us a way to combat the wearing down and the feeling of being powerless in an overwhelming information age that brings with it stress and tension into our life.
As we develop new movement skills and qualities we can feel greater satisfaction with our lives because of the expressive potential we have through our bodies. Like an instrument our bodies can play more fluidly, the notes deeper, fuller, quicker and lighter with more subtle nuances.
It is practiced with others in a class developing, ways to work with people, sharing and co-operating. This exchange with others helps us work with the conflict and the aggression we can encounter when interacting with other people.
Kitaido retains the deep body philosophy of the Far East developed by the martial arts, one that helps us realise our deepest connection with our life and the universe.