Aikido (pronounced eye-key-dough) is a traditional Japanese martial art that includes one-on one grappling and weapons practice. Aikido flows with an attack instead of opposing it. Aikido practitioners can defend themselves effectively while protecting their attacker from serious injury.
Unify the mind, body, and spirit by developing singular focus, complete relaxation, balance, and energy.
As a traditional Japanese martial art, Aikido is more than simply an efficient method of self-defense. It is a form of budo - a "martial way". The word "do" (pronounced dough) in Japanese is the same as the Chinese word tao. "Do" denotes a path of understanding, a way of life, and the way of the universe itself. In Japanese history, as in many cultures, the warrior arts were considered uniquely suited for practical use during times of war, and more importantly, for the refinement and development of the human character during times of peace. The qualities and principles of the ideal warrior - courage, decisiveness, strength, clarity of mind, compassion - are also the ideal qualities of the human being. In this way, the Japanese martial tradition, like European chivalry, has always stressed the applicability of martial principles to daily life. This understanding is the meaning of budo. A related word, Bushido ("the way of the warrior") also expresses this. A warrior's way of life is not just fighting, but also is the constant striving for self-perfection in all things.
Paired Bokken (wooden sword) practice
The knightly ideal in European cultures was that of a powerful warrior who also possessed sensitivity and mercy. Likewise, the samurai ideal (the warriors of Japan) was not a simple fighter. It was a balanced human being embodying the motto Bun Bu Ryodo, "The martial and the intellectual ways as one". Balanced in this way, a samurai could truly be useful and of service to others. These traditions today are carried on in Aikido. Everything in the practice of Aikido is meant to develop not only a strong individual, but one with the wisdom and energy to positively benefit themselves and society. A true martial artist views conflict not merely as a contest with others, but as an opportunity to forge oneself and overcome our true enemies, which are within. A favorite saying of Morihei Ueshiba (pronounced way-she-bah), the founder of Aikido, was Masakatsu Agatsu: "True victory is self victory". This is the true spirit of Aikido.
Of course, the psychological benefits of Aikido are accompanied by concrete physical benefits. Aikido practice is an excellent program for all-around physical fitness, flexibility, and strength. In addition, the one-on-one grappling develops balanced strength and flexibility in muscles, joints and connective tissues.
The human body can exert power in two ways: in a contractive mode and in an expansive mode. Many fitness activities, for example weight-lifting, exercise the contractive power of the muscles. This means that specific muscles or muscle groups are isolated and work in a contractive mode to create power. Repetitive training of this sort tends to stress the joints, and decreases flexibility. The second type of power is expansive, and is seen in activities such as dance, gymnastics, and Aikido. In these activities, the body moves in an overall relaxed motion.
While both types of power are important, it is interesting to note that a
person who masters the expansive type of power can, in a martial context, often
overcome a person who is much bigger or stronger. The reason is that contractive
power is only as strong as the mass and power of the activated muscle groups.
Expansive power as used in Aikido involves the whole body in movement. Rather
than relying on only a few muscles, the expansive movement coming from the
center of your body produces incredible power. This expansive power extends out
through relaxed limbs.
Vigorous Aikido practice is a great aerobic workout. In addition, the joints
and connective tissues develop flexibility through various stretching movements
involved in performing the Aikido techniques. Relaxation is learned as part of
the training, since the techniques are ineffective without relaxed execution.
The balanced use of contractive and expansive power is mastered in Aikido,
enabling even a small person to generate enormous power and self-defense
capability.
New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that people in their 40's and 50's who regularly practice martial arts demonstrate astounding levels of physical fitness. They were able to do twice as many sit-ups, had enhanced flexibility and leg strength, demonstrated a stronger immune system and showed greatly improved balance.
Throughout Asia, it's not uncommon to see large groups of elderly (people in their 60's, 70's and 80's) practicing Tai Chi at sunrise in the community parks. Despite their age, these people have better aerobic conditioning, balance, strength, flexibility and coordination than many typical Americans in their 30's, avoiding chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and cancer. As a result, they live longer, healthier, happier lives.
The Japanese culture views the body and mind as a single entity. Aikido
reflects this philosophy. One finds that the physical relaxation learned in
Aikido naturally becomes mental relaxation. Likewise, the confidence that
develops in strong body movements complements a mind that is calm while
remaining focused.
Aikido requires the practitioner to squarely face conflict. The very physical
experience of Aikido practice translates into the ability to face the conflicts
of life in the same way as the conflicts in the dojo, in a calm, proactive,
harmonious way. The common patterns of avoidance and fear are broken. The tense,
defensive reactions to pressure and conflict that often escalate negatively, are
recognized and overcome. A new person - straightforward, brave, humble, can
emerge from Aikido practice, becoming stronger, and able to harmonize as
circumstances require. Aikido is known in psychological and business circles as
a highly useful metaphor for devising conflict resolution strategies. People
everywhere are using the Aikido philosophy to improve the quality of their
lives.
Because size and strength do not influence the effectiveness of techniques, Aikido is very popular with women. Women find it easy to learn and can have very effective results.
In Japan, a nation of many martial arts, Aikido was chosen by
the elite Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and Secret Police as their self-defense
method. The reason for this may be the extreme flexibility inherent in the art.
Any given Aikido technique can be applied at varying levels of intensity, in a
continuum from the gentlest control to the most severe response. Aikido is ideal
for a wide range of self-defense situations, including those encountered by
workers in law enforcement, security, corrections, medical & mental-health
professions.
Aikido is derived from the legendary arts of the samurai and can be adapted to a
multitude of situations. The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, devised the
Aikido techniques to counter a bewildering array of assaults by single or
multiple attackers, with or without weapons. Aikido provides techniques for the
application of self-defense skills to effectively resolve conflict situations.
The practice of Aikido ultimately must become part of our daily life. Any
moment may bring conflict - with others, with our environment, with our body,
with one self. Aikido develops the awareness, decisiveness, inner calm and
compassion that are so effective for coping with what life throws at us. We come
to understand that our true test occurs outside of the dojo, with life itself.
Every situation becomes a springboard to greater personal growth. We learn to
open ourselves to all experiences, rather than shunning the potential
unpleasantries of life. Our minds expand, and we become strong. This is the
legacy of the martial ways, and the true value of Aikido practice.
The dream of the founder was that all the peoples of the world, working together
to resolve conflict, will do so in peace and for mutual benefit. Stressing the
positive values of the martial ways, Aikido continues to grow and spread across
the globe, fulfilling this vision.
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