Cited by 2Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and EducationJapanese History and CultureReligious Studies and Spiritual Practices

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Religion, Ki, and Aikido: From Pre-war Japan to the Post-war United States

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Stein, Justin B.·2024·Vienna journal of East Asian studies

Abstract

Abstract The Japanese term ki 氣/気 (Chinese qì) is a fundamental concept in East Asian religions, medicine, and martial arts. In Euro-American settings, the dominant way to understand ki is in terms of vital energy or life force. However, when the martial art aikido (aikidō 合氣道) was introduced to the United States following World War II, ki was not explained in terms of “energy,” but rather as “mind” or “spirit.” This article examines the transnational development of ki discourse in aikido from pre-war Japan to the post-war United States, including its entanglement with religion and state power. It also compares aikido’s development and circulation in the North Pacific with that of the healing practice of Reiki 靈氣/レイキ.

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Crossref · 10.30965/25217038-12345004

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Citations

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Research works printed but not linked: 32

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Cited by

Metadata

Authors
Stein, J. B.
Affiliations
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (CA)
Corresponding author
Stein, Justin B.
Venue
Vienna journal of East Asian studies
Published
2024-10-22
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
194-222
ISSN
  • 2521-702X (ISSN-L)
  • 2521-7038
OpenAlex
W4408842773
Cited by
2
References
23
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1
FWCI
0.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Vienna journal of East Asian studies (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education
  • Social Sciences › Cultural Studies › Japanese History and Culture
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
Keywords
KI, aikido, Reiki, vital energy, state power, postwar Japan, United States, healing practices, North Pacific

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