Central to the tactic of Aiki (trans. union with ki) is the skill of blending and/or non-resistance. Aiki is not found in the option to block or in the option to retreat.  Aiki is not marked by clashes – neither of the pushing kind nor of the pulling kind.  Moreover, being of continuous motion, Aiki has no need of pauses.  Aiki demands that we establish a harmony between our movement and the movement of the attacker.  For a true harmony to exist, both our movement and the movement of the attacker must establish their full intent.  At a superficial level, this harmony is achieved by placing the Line of Attack, the Angle of Deflection, the Angle of Deviation, and the Maai, inside an interdependent relationship.  It is through this interdependent relationship that the defender’s intent can become the determining factor for the combative outcome without negating or resisting any of the elements involved.  Uke: Sean Sanders - Shodan. (1 minute, 42 seconds)