Aikido, “Way of life in harmony with internal energy”, was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O Sensei, great teacher, in the early 20th century. Ueshiba studied a martial art called Aiki-Jujutsu under one Takeda Sokaku. Ueshiba also studied Karate and Ju-Jutsu as well as the weapon arts of sword (Ken-Jutsu) and staff (Jo). Ueshiba derived Aikido from these main influences. Promoting peace and harmony is a major component in Aikido. At the highest, most ideal level of AIkido proficiency, one can use the energy and momentum of the attacker to defeat them with relatively little effort while preventing serious injury to the attacker. It is very important to remember, however, that the art of Aikido was created from much more destructive martial arts. The fundamentals and techniques learned within Aikido can easily be use to promote harm to an attacker, instead of peace.
The practice of Aikido includes ukemi (falling), movement (tai sabaki), striking technique, ki development, breathing technique, grab and strike defenses, and classical techniques designed to teach the basic principles. Practitioners of Aikido (Aikidoka) will also add weapons use and defense to their repertoire. The weapon aspects learned throughout Aikido training are the Jo, Ken (Sword), Hanbo (Short staff) and Tanto (Knife). Aikido is often performed by utilizing irimi (entering) and / or circular movements while blending with and redirecting the energy of an attacker resulting in kuzushi (off-balance) which can allow for the execution of a throw or joint-lock for control. The training involved with Aikido is just as mental as it is physical. Aikido emphasizes the ability to relax mind and body, especially during stressful situations such as with multiple attackers. Aikido by itself can be a very effective form of self-defense.
How is Aikido Different?
Aikido, just like every martial art, is about the fundamentals such as movement, off-balance, etc. Because of this, Aikido is a great art that can be supplemented with some of these other arts such as Jujutsu, Kempo Karate, and Samurai Sword. Combined, they make a very effective form a self-defense. All Martial arts mostly share the same principles but are executed slightly different or with alternate purpose, hence giving them their distinct characteristics as art forms. It focuses highly on circular movements, redirection, energy, and off-balance. It differs, however, mostly in it’s philosophy. As the founder developed this martial art, he did so with peace and harmony in mind, instead of death, destruction, and chaos.
You can learn more about aikido HERE. We also have a BLOG for more learning opportunities. Other great resources include well written blogs by Spirit Aikido in MN, Aikido Journal, and on Aikiweb. For more information regarding our lineage information, check out the biography of Sensei Phong and Sensei Jose Andrade, MD from Aikido Tenshinkai in Florida.