SANGEN

Sangen 三元 Three origins

“The body should be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control.”
O Sensei

‘Sangen’ (Three Origins), the three basic building blocks of the universe; heaven, earth and man, represented as hard, soft and flowing by the circle, triangle and the square.

The triangle represents ‘Iku-musubi’, the power of birth and creation, the gaseous dimension. It symbolizes initiative, the animal realm, and Masakatsu. Technically, the triangle represents entering and flowing movements (Ryutai).

The circle represents ‘taru-musubi’, the enriching power, the liquid dimension. It symbolises unification, the vegetable realm, and Agatsu. Technically, the circle represents blending and soft movements (Jutai).

The square represents ‘tamatsume-musubi’, the power that fixes the soul in the physical body, the solid dimension. It symbolizes form, the mineral realm, and Katsuhayahi. Technically, the square represents control and firm or ‘hard’ movements (Gotai).

The triangle represents the generation of energy and initiative; it is the most stable physical posture.

The circle symbolises unification, serenity and perfection; it is the source of unlimited techniques.

The square stands for form and solidity, the basis of applied control.

When the triangle, the circle and the square become one, it moves in spherical rotation together with the flow of ki, and the Aikido of sumi-kiri (total clarity of mind and body) appears.

–Morihei Ueshiba