What
is
Aikido ?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art
developed in the early 20th century
by a Japanese martial arts expert: Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to
as
O Sensei or 'Great Teacher'(picture)).
Its techniques originated in the throws and joint locks of jujitsu,
where an attacker's strength and momentum are used against himself, and
from sword techniques (kenjutsu). Emphasis is placed on absorbing and
redirecting an attack rather than blocking or parrying. Aikido methods
are often used in women's self defence classes since they do not rely
on
strength. Unlike many other martial arts, the aim of Aikido is to
subdue
rather than to maim or kill an opponent
.
Aikido is a way of defence.
Although it may seem
contradictory with the concept of a martial art, the underlying
philosophy behind Aikido is one of peace and harmony. The name 'Aikido' is formed from three Japanese characters. 'Ai' means ‘to come together, to
harmonise'. The second 'Ki' has come
to mean 'the mind, soul, spirit, the 'spirit of the Universe'. The last
symbol
'Do' means the way - Aikido may
therefore be translated as 'the way of harmony with the spirit of the
universe'. The underlying philosophy of Aikido is the preservation of
life and
creation of harmony. Its practice is embedded in the unification of
mind, body
and spirit and the connection between the self and the larger world. In
the
presence of discord and conflict Aikido seeks to restore balance and
harmony.
The benefits of Aikido
Many different styles of Aikido
have evolved from O Sensei's
original teachings. Only one, Tomiki Aikido, involves any form of
competition. Aikido training is of a co-operative nature rather than
antagonistic, with performer (nage) and the reciever (uke) working in
partnership.
The art of receiving a technique
is termed ukemi. Where possible,
Aikido throws are absorbed by rolling rather than mat slapping
breakfalls. Ukemi are an important part of training since they permit
uke to safely absorb the application of a technique and also condition
the body. Good ukemi requires flexibility, fitness and awareness.
In following
with its philosophy, there are
no competitions in Aikido. Practice involves learning to deal with realistic physical attacks but
training is a co-operative process with both partners learning, one to
perform
the technique and the other how to use their entire body to receive the
technique.
It is taught in a safe,
controlled environment. The emphasis is on the individual’s personal
development at their own speed and on what interests them. Gradings
also are
not competitive, but rather a demonstration of technical and personal
accomplishment. People come to aikido from many different backgrounds
and with
varied interests and aims and each may find something unique through
their
training.
