"Aikido is generally believed to represent circular movements. Contrary to such belief, however, Aikido, in its true Ki form, is a fierce art piercing straight through the center of opposition.
The nature of the art being such that you are not supposed to adapt to your partner by making a wide oblique turn of your body but are called upon to find your way onward while twisting your hips."

- Saito Morihiro , Traditional Aikido, Vol. 5