The arts of combat and music seem strange bedfellows, but in Japan the practices draw in part from the same source, Zen Buddhism.

Harnessing the internal energy of Ki (pronounced KEE) is the key, so to speak.

"Ki is the common thing. Both disciplines focus and manipulate personal energy flow. One makes it visible; the other makes it audible," said Ann Arbor-based shakuhachi bamboo flute master Michael Chikuzen Gould, who began his studies in 1982 in Kyoto, Japan.

Gould presents a free demonstration and recital at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Shobu Aikido of Ohio, 6537 Angola Rd., Holland.

The idea for Wednesday's concert came from Aikido master Jay Chikyo Weik, director of Shobu Aikido.

The ethereal-sounding end-blown shakuhachi has only five tone holes, but skilled performers develop a wide range of tone colors by shifting the speed and direction of the air flow, or by covering holes only partially. The instrument was developed in China more than 1,000 years ago as a tool for meditation and breathing. Only later, in Japan, did its rich musical repertory develop.

Weik, who is also an accomplished jazz guitarist, has been studying shakuhachi for four months. He hopes the concert will inspire others to take up the instrument, perhaps even form a local shakuhachi practice club.

Michael Chikuzen Gould performs a free concert and demonstration of traditional shakuhachi music at 7 p.m. Wednesday. He holds a $50-per-person introductory performance workshop at 1 p.m. Sept. 3. Both events are at Shobu Aikido of Ohio, 6537 Angola Rd., Holland. Information: 419-861-1163.

Contact Steven Cornelius at: scornelius@theblade.com or 419-724-6152.