What is Aikido?
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art, derived from the principles of the samurai. The word aikido comes from the Japanese ai (unity or harmony), ki (spirit or energy) and do (way). Aikido was developed in post-War Japan by Morihei Ueshiba often called O'Sensei, meaning great teacher.
The picture below shows O'Sensei in his fifties and if you rollover the image with your mouse you can see a picture of him as he is more commonly recognised.
Ueshiba drew together techniques from a number of martial arts and principles from Japanese martial philosophy to create what is now called aikido. On a physical level, most aikido techniques are locks and/or throws, sometimes combined with atemi (strikes). However, O Sensei considered aikido to be more than another physical discipline: it encapsulates and embodies the principles of budo itself. By learning the techniques of aikido, mastery of correct body position and movement can be achieved; ultimately, the techniques themselves are considered merely as training methods to develop free movement in response to an attack. Since aikido is based upon budo, there is no element of competitiveness or sporting competition in traditional aikido.
These are often said to be the basic principles of aikido:
- Shisei (posture: straight spine - relax shoulders)
- Kokyu (breathing)
- Kamae (stance)
- Ma Ai (distance)
- Irimi (entering)
- Tai Sabaki (body movement)
- Atemi (strike to a vital point)
- Kokyu Rokyu (breath power - the energy in a technique)
When practising aikido, the student is always concerned with developing these principles. Consequently, aikido is not concerned with using physical strength to defeat an opponent. Instead it employs the principles set out above to neutralise an attack and immobilise, throw or disarm the attacker. An aikido technique requires the practitioner to move off the line of an attack and control an opponent, rather than directly blocking an attack or struggling against it. Aikido contains techniques based on empty hand attacks such as holds or strikes, as well as work with the jo, bokken and tanto.
Aikido is unique among the martial arts in that when mastered, there are an unlimited number of techniques that can be created from the foundations which are taught. In Aikido you are free to move in response to an attack without the restrictions of rigid and fixed responses. There is always something new to learn with Aikido. It is easy to pick up, but can take years to master. This is part of its appeal and why many choose to practice Aikido throughout their life.
Aikido is suitable for all types of people. Men and women, young or old, can practise and enjoy aikido; levels of physical fitness are not that important. The atmosphere at our club is friendly and cooperative; if you are interested in practising aikido, then please come along to one of our training sessions and find out more!
