AIKIDO

Aikido "the way of harmony with the universal energy" is the martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) in Japan last century.

Technically, Aikido is a relatively modern derivative of a number of ancient and traditional Japanese fighting techniques including Daito Ryu jujitsu, kenjutsu (sword fighting), jo (staff), yari (spear) and naginata (halberd).

Philosophically, it is heavily influenced by Shinto, the ancient "nature-worshipping" religion of Japan, notably that of the Omoto-kyo of which Master Ueshiba was a prominent follower and to a lesser extent Shingon, a tantric form of Buddhism.

The development of Aikido spanned over a quarter of a century and reached a zenith in 1942, when Master Ueshiba, known to his students as O'Sensei, retired to Iwama, then a small country town, to engage in a simpler life revolving around farming and the study of budo (martial ways). The art which had been know by various names, was called "Aikido" from that time on.

As explained by O'Sensei, the purpose of Aikido is to promote life and understanding, not to defeat others. In his words:
" Aikido is not a technique to fight and defeat the enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family."

As a physical practice Aikido is distinguished from other martial arts that rely primarily on punching or kicking an opponent, by its highly effective and involving movements, characterised by flowing circular body movements, followed by amazing throws which cause the attacker to literally fly in the air before they collapse to the ground.

Training in Aikido involves constant close contact with a partner, each person attacking and defending in turn. Primarily, Aikido teaches how to harmonise with the energy of the opponent in order to avoid attack, break free from an opponent's hold, control, throw or pin an opponent, and how to be prepared against multiple attackers.

The throws work not by force, but by catching the attackers intention, causing them to lose their balance and by leverage against the opponents weak points by manipulating their joints into locks, twists and pins that are sometimes painful yet stimulating, and almost impossible to resist or escape from.

After the second World War, under the direction of the Founder's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba (and leading teachers such as Koichi Tohei) Aikido gained in popularity through promotion of Aikido's graceful flowing movement, energy "extension" and self defensive aspect and spread throughout the world.

It was O'Sensei's longest serving student (beginning in 1946) of 23 years, Morihiro Saito, that carried on the training as he had received it directly from the Founder. Saito Sensei, to whom O'Sensei bequeathed the position of headmaster of the Iwama dojo, continued to teach the slow solid forms, precise movement and multiplicity of technique and retained the practices using sword and staff and integration of weapon and body art, in his teaching of Aikido as a powerful martial art.

The head of the Aikikai Foundation, the central governing body for Aikido, continues to be a member of the Ueshiba family, with Moriteru Ueshiba the grandson of the founder, the current lineal head or Doshu. Information about the Aikikai can be found at: http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.htm

The following, is the description of Aikido provided at their web site:

A pure budo comes with the unification of technique, body and heart. The budo, which will manifest itself, does not depend upon the technique, but rather upon the heart of the practitioner. The aim of Aikido is a kindness of heart expressed through this spirit of budo. Here are some thoughts on the spirit of Aikido.

Aiki is love.

Budo is the path of the warrior. Combined with the spirit of heaven and earth in your heart, you can fulfill your life's destiny with unconditional love for everything.

Aiki seeks to skillfully strike down the ego and inherent insincerity in battling an enemy. Aiki is the path of forgiveness and enlightenment. The martial techniques provide discipline for the journey of uniting the spirit and the body through channeling the laws of heaven.

The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature. One becomes "resilient" inside yet this strength is expressed softly. Movements found in nature are efficient, rational, and soft, while the center is immovable, firm, and stable. This principle of a firm center is universally consistent -- and must be true for each person. The culmination of Aikido is expressed by aligning one's center with the center expressed throughout nature.

Aikido movement maintains this firm and stable center with an emphasis on spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular, dance-like motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to control and overcome the opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one self from an opponent of superior size, strength, and experience.

Although Aikido movements are soft, rational, and smooth as in nature, by applying a bit of force, these can become devastatingly effective. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to men and women and children regardless of age. It not only offers spiritual development but also provides exercise and teaches proper etiquette and behavior.

At the heart of Aikido is the Eastern concept of Ki --the universal creative principle, with the Ki (life force or breath) found within each person. Literally, Aikido translates as "the way of harmony with Ki".

The founder of Aikido, Prof Morihei Ueshiba (known as O'Sensei)

Moriteru Ueshiba and his father Iwama Jinja 1980 - photo D. Minus

Moriteru Ueshiba Tokyo Aiki Kai 2005  - photo Derek Minus