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The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of
throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques, coupled
with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword,
staff and knife. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba early in the twentieth
century following his own extensive study of various armed and
unarmed martial systems, Aikido represents a potent distillation of
centuries of Japanese martial knowledge. It is one of the most
widely practiced budo, or martial way, in the world.
However, Ueshiba (commonly called O-Sensei, or "venerable
teacher") was determined that his Aikido be practiced as more
than simply a method of fighting. The Japanese martial arts,
influenced by the internal and meditative disciplines inherited from
India and China, have often carried with them an emphasis on the
development of internal, as well as physical, integrity. Wielding
the life-taking sword with compassion and insight, the ideal warrior
in Japanese thought is more than a simple killing machine; he is a
model of uprightness, courage and loyalty, gladly sacrificing life
(but never honor) in the name of principle and duty. Steeped in
these traditions, O-Sensei conceived of Aikido as not only a means
of vanquishing a foe, but as a means of promoting the positive
character of the ideal warrior and ultimately of transcending
dualistic conflict. For O-Sensei, Aikido was a path of
self-development. He believed that it could be a means for anyone,
of any nation, to follow the same path. Aikido is shugyo: an intense
physical and spiritual training to perfect human character and
develop true wisdom.
How does Aikido differ from other martial arts?
Traditional Aikido is non-competitive and promotions do not come
through besting an opponent, but through demonstrating understanding
of basic exercises and techniques, which become more demanding or
difficult as rank increases. In Aikido we strive to work in
cooperation with a partner, still employing effective technique
against an energetic and realistic attack, yet doing so by blending
with the attack and redirecting its energy back to the attacker.
We practice techniques against a variety of attacks such as kicks,
punches, strikes, single-hand or two-hand grabs from the front or
rear, chokes, multiple person attacks, and attacks with weapons.
In all of these we strive to resolve the conflict in a non-lethal,
non-disruptive, yet effective manner. Techniques may end in
joint locks or immobilizations, or in dynamic motions where the
attacker is thrown forwards or backwards across the mat, or through
the air into a spectacular breakfall. Rather than primarily
linear motions, Aikido is comprised of blending, turning, pivoting,
circling, and spiraling. We are learning to deal not only with
our own energy, but with that of an attacker or another person (or
people) as well. Aikido embodies concepts which are at the
same time very simple, yet very complex. Because of these and
other differences, Aikido can be very challenging to learn, yet at
the same time can be very rewarding because it is ultimately
bringing us into harmony with ourselves and with our world, and
helping us to become more complete and integrated human beings.
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