Motion

Feet     Straight     Circular     Combination

A change of body’s location in space is one of the major prerequisites for implementation of any physical technique of self-defense.  In fact, it is virtually impossible to implement one, without the act of motion.

Feet

When one makes a move in aikido or takes a step, one must do so weightlessly and with speed.  One needs to move softly along the mat.  Feet glide.  Toes turn outward.  There is no place for dragging and especially a doubt. 

The sole’s slide close to the mat or ground, skimming along it, avoiding delays of friction, and simultaneously preventing vulnerability of potential imbalance by keeping feet low.

A leap in this sort of walk is understandable only with the occurrence of a sudden and a close attack.

Straight

Straight Motion (shintai) is one that has no curvature or angularity.
From the natural aikido posture it can be executed as a:
 

The follow-up step (tsugi ashi)

One that consists of stepping with the leading foot in the desired direction.
With feet pointing outward to some extent, one shifts the weight of the body to the leading foot as the back foot joins the leading foot close behind it.

The alternated step (ayumi ashi)
Rhythmic alternation of support, motion, and stepping are the integral part of this motion. As one foot glides in a certain direction, it settles underneath the body’s weight and the shifting balance. The other foot can now perform a series of alternative motions, including gliding over and beyond the former. Thus, repeating the process.

Normal alternated step occurs as one’s body aligns itself with the leading foot, shifting posture and stance at each step.

Crossed alternated step occurs as one does not shift but sustains the same forward side throughout the movement, with the leading foot crossing in front or behind the supporting foot.

Additionally, these can be combined.

Circular

In Circular Motion (tai sahaki) the aikidoka follows a unique curvilinear arch with every point of on its path equally distant from the center of the pattern. This type of movement can be identified as most imperative and absolute part of aikido, a form on its own. It allows evasion from the attack’s direct force, as well as a strategic advantage of control of one’s position.
The circular motion used in aikido may be performed in two basic ways:
 

The Pivot
Turning on the spot towards any direction by revolving on the balls of one’s feet, without lifting them.

The Spin
The spin in aikido is the ultimate in circular motion.
As one sets in on one foot to act as the central element of support for the body as well as the central axis of motion, one glides the other foot and body around that central support.
 

This movement is the manner of no-conflict. In order to eliminate the necessity of injuring or killing somebody, through this necessary circular movement Aikido transforms force making it circular.

Combination of Straight and Circular Motion

Combination of straight with circular motion or its possible elements can create abundance of possibilities. However, it is important to practice each type separately and attentively, before attempting any amalgamation. However, this blending characterizes the advanced practice of the art. The multiplicities of forms of motion are interchanged and sinuous, delicate, and fully united in one, as they ultimately become inseparable ingredients of one single, dynamic move.