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About
Aikido
 Aikido
is
a
relatively
new
self-defense
art,
founded
in
Japan
by
Professor
Morihei
Ueshiba
(1883-1969).
As
a
youth,
Ueshiba
Sensei,
or
O-Sensei
(Great
Teacher)
as
he
was
called,
applied
himself
to
many
arduous
years
of
training
in
"Budo",
or
the
Japanese
martial
arts.
He
was
a
master
of
Ju-Jitsu,
the
spear,
and
the
staff,
and
was
considered
unbeatable
with
the
sword.
O-Sensei
also
delved
deeply
into
religion
and
the
meaning
of
life,
studying
Zen
Buddhism
and
Shinto.
Although
he
became
very
strong
and
won
many
matches,
he
was
troubled
with
the
idea
that
winning
at
someone
else's
expense
was
not
truly
winning.
He
came
to
realize
that
true
self-defense
was
not
winning
over
others
-
but
WINNING
OVER
THE
DISCORD
WITHIN
ONESELF.
Though
he
was
as
acknowledged
master,
he
began
to
practice
movements,
exploring
them
deeply,
searching
mentally,
and
sitting
for
long
hours
in
mediation.
As
a
result,
Aikido
was
born
as
a
way
to
divert
harm
from
one's
self
while
at
the
same
time
not
inflicting
permanent
injury
to
an
aggressor.
As
Aikido
developed,
it
became
clear
that
it
was
not
only
an
effective
means
of
self-defense,
but
a
way
to
understand
life
through
the
study
of
energy
flow
of
the
universe.
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Meaning of the word "AIKIDO"
The word "AIKIDO" in Japanese is made up of three
characters. The first is "AI", which means "to meet, to come
together, to harmonize". The second character is "KI", which
means "energy, spirit, mind". In a larger context, "KI"
means "the spirit of the universe", and not just the spirit of human
beings. The third and last character is "DO", which means "the
way". It signifies that the study of Aikido does not involve merely
self-defense techniques, but includes positive character-building ideals which a
person can incorporate into his or her life. These three Japanese characters,
"AI-KI-DO" therefore mean: "THE WAY OF HARMONIZING WITH THE
SPIRIT OF THE UNIVERSE"
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Leading
and
Blending
When
executed
properly,
the
techniques
of
Aikido
do
not
result
in
using
brute
force
or
clashing
with
the
power
of
the
opponent.
Aikido,
in
many
instances,
employs
circular
motion
to
contend
with
an
attack
coming
head-on.
The
attack
of
the
opponent
is
not
stopped
but
is
allowed
to
continue.
The
Aikidoist
joins
the
power
of
the
attack
and
then
redirects
this
power
harmlessly
and
harmoniously.
Taking
the
attack
and
redirecting
it
is
called
"leading
the
opponent's
energy
or
intention".
Again,
there
should
be
no
strain
in
the
execution
of
techniques
(especially
in
the
upper
body).
The
Aikidoist
will
let
the
opponent
go
where
he
wants
to
bend.
Through
the
physical
practice
of
the
self-defense
techniques,
the
student
of
Aikido
comes
to
appreciate
and
understand
the
mental
or
spiritual
aspect
of
Aikido.
During
Aikido
practice,
partners
train
in
harmony
with
each
other,
learning
when
and
how
to
yield,
how
to
lead
and
guide
another
person's
movements
(how
to
defend
themselves
using
non-resistive
techniques).
The
student
learns
to
position
him/her
in
a
solidly
grounded
triangle,
keeping
the
center
of
gravity
very
low
by
relaxing
the
upper
body,
keeping
the
back
straight,
and
breathing
naturally.
The
power
generated
with
natural
breathing
is
called
"Kokyo-ryoku"
(breath-power)
and
is
the
essential
power
cultivated
and
strengthened
in
Aikido.
Unlike
pure
muscle
power,
kokyu-ryoku
does
not
deteriorate
with
age,
but
increases
with
one's
understanding
of
Aikido,
regardless
of
age,
sex,
or
muscular
strength
for
its
effectiveness,
one
does
not
need
to
be
physically
large
or
strong
to
be
effective
in
applying
Aikido
techniques.
Aikido
is
therefore
an
effective
martial
art
for
both
men
and
women
Aikido
Movements
and
Techniques
The
movements
of
Aikido
emphasize
flowing,
flexibility,
timing,
and
the
maintenance
of
balance.
The
aim
of
the
Aikido
practitioner
is
to
purify
him/herself
and
be
in
complete
control
of
his/her
mind
and
body,
while
keeping
a
calm,
flexible
and
alert
posture.
Much
of
the
beauty
of
Aikido
movements
comes
from
the
coordinated
motion
of
the
entire
body.
Techniques
include
throws,
immobilization,
and
joint
flexing.
Most
of
the
joint
techniques,
such
as
those
applied
to
the
wrist
or
elbow,
flex
the
joints
in
the
direction
of
natural
bending.
They
are
in
harmony
with
natural
flexing,
and
although
such
techniques
are
effective
and
can
be
painful
if
resisted
against,
they
result
in
no
permanent
damage
to
the
joints.
As
the
technique
continues,
the
attacker
is
allowed
to
fall
where
he
wants
to
fall
-
effortlessly
and
naturally.
There
is
a
limit
to
what
you
can
accomplish
with
brute
strength.
If
you
stand
on
a
railroad
track
and
try
to
stop
the
train,
you
will,
as
we
say
in
Aikido,
become
one
with
the
tracks!
Not
a
pleasant
sight.
It
is
much
easier
and
effective
to
move
off
the
track
and
blend
with
the
trains
power.
In
Aikido,
much
time
is
spent
on
getting
"off
the
line"
and
not
clashing
or
blocking
as
in
other
martial
arts.
It
should
not
be
a
contest
or
power
against
power.
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Aikido
holds that
the mind
and the
body are
one. We
need not
struggle
against an
opponent's
strength.
If we lead
their
mind,
their body
will
follow. To
lead one
must be
calm,
relaxed,
and in
control of
his or her
own mind
and body.
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The Philosophy of Aikido
The most unusual aspect of Aikido is that although it is primarily a
self-defense art, it takes as the basis of its philosophy the idea of being in
HARMONY with your opponent rather than being in conflict with him. The idea of
AIKIDO is not to think of defeating your enemy, but rather to be in harmony with
him, spiritually, mentally, and physically. This is why Aikido is sometimes
called the "ART OF NON-RESISTANCE", or the "NON-FIGHTING MARTIAL
ART". Aikido is not merely an art of self-defense, however, into its
techniques are woven elements of philosophy, psychology, body and energy
dynamics. As one learns the various arts, he/she will at the same time training
his/her mind, gain improvements in health, and develop self-confidence. Morihei
Ueshiba envisioned a style that could be both non-aggressive and still be
effective in a multitude of self-defense situations. From that vision came the
art of Aikido. As a student, you will be taught to respect the body of your
opponent. The techniques should never cause permanent damage. The pain you
inflict will be momentary. The Aikido student is taught to search for eternal
harmony. But his training has no end; for Aikidoists believe perfection of
character is never complete.
Ethical
Defense
Aikido is sometimes referred to as the
"non-fighting art". Most experts agree that
Aikido is the most ethical system of martial arts
because of the basic principle of aiki (harmony) when
dealing with an attack. Let's explain by using the
following example: A man attempts to punch an innocent
passerby in the stomach. What should be the defense
used by the person attacked? Should he block the
strike and attempt to break the person's arm in the
process? Should he then smash the attacker's face,
sweep him to the ground and kick the person until he
is unconscious? On one end of the spectrum some people
would even justify killing this person. According to
the teachings of Master Ueshiba, the person who was
attacked should defend himself without hurting the
other person. The student in Aikido is taught to
respect the body of his opponent. Although many of the
techniques in Aikido are painful, the pain is
momentary and should never create any permanent
damage. Injuring your opponent is a sign of lack of
control and still is certainly not a display of the
highest level of ethics. A man's body (arms, legs,
head, joints) has obvious structural limitations as to
how far it can be twisted or bent before it will
break. Aikido techniques are employed to neutralize
the aggressor and not harm or seriously injure him. To
do this requires that the Aikidoist have the highest
ethical intention known to man - "love" -
and "respect" for one another.
Ranking in Aikido
As in other Japanese martial arts, Aikido utilizes
the "KYU" and "DAN" system of
ranking. Generally, the Aikido-ka begins with 6th kyu
(in Canada), and improves his/her standing upward
through the "kyu" ranks until 1st kyu is
attained. A white belt is worn throughout the
non-black belt ranks. After passing the black belt
test he/she is awarded the rank of "SHO-DAN",
(first degree black belt). A person holding a black
belt rank (Yudansha) can also improve his/her standing
from first degree to advanced "DAN" rank.
Because of the nature of the Aikido philosophy, which
promotes harmony and non-conflict, tournaments ("shiai")
are non-existent, and instead well-executed
performance of the arts (techniques) become the
criteria for promotion. In addition, consideration is
given to the character, attitude and understanding of
the principles of Aikido, as well as the seriousness
and diligence of the student during practice. |
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