One Point (Japanese: Seika no Itten, 臍下の一点) is a fundamental concept in Aikido and several other Japanese martial arts referring to the body’s physical and mental center. It is commonly described as a point located approximately 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the navel and several inches inside the body. Rather than being a literal anatomical location, it serves as a focal point for posture, breathing, balance, relaxation, and coordinated movement.
The concept was popularized by Aikido master Koichi Tohei, who taught that keeping the mind calmly centered at the One Point allows the body to move as a unified whole instead of relying on isolated muscular effort. In his system of Shin Shin Tōitsu AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More (Ki Aikido), “Keep One Point” is the first of the Four Basic Principles for unifying mind and body.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, one point, hara (腹), and tanden (丹田) have slightly different meanings:
Hara (腹) refers to the entire lower abdominal region, traditionally regarded as the body’s center of gravity and source of stable movement.
Tanden (丹田) is the energetic center within the hara, equivalent to the Chinese dantian.
One Point (Seika no Itten) refers to the practitioner’s mental focus within this area, emphasizing relaxed concentration, centeredness, and unity of mind and body.
In practice, movement is initiated from the One Point rather than from the arms or legs alone. This promotes better balance, efficient power generation, improved posture, and calmness under pressure. The concept is central not only to Aikido but also appears throughout traditional Japanese budō, including iaidō, kendō, jūdō, and many classical (koryū) martial arts, where the hara is regarded as the body’s true center.
Koichi Tohei’s Four Basic Principles
Keep One Point.
Relax completely.
Keep weight underside.
Extend ki.
Tohei taught that once the mind is settled at the One Point, the other three principles naturally follow, resulting in relaxed, stable, and coordinated movement.
Related Terms
Hara (腹) – Lower abdomen; the body’s center.
Tanden (丹田) – The body’s energetic center.
Ki (気) – Life energy or vital force.
Centering – Maintaining physical and mental stability through awareness of the One Point.
Read More:
https://www.durangoaikido.com/post/exploring-the-principles-keep-one-point
Exploring the Principles: Keep One Point
Ki Principles
