Aikido: The Art of Peace
Masakatsu agatsu:
True victory is self-victory
Aikido is a non-competitive Japanese martial art that uses partner practice to nurture a spirit of harmony and mutual assistance. Aikido was founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, often called O Sensei (“great teacher”) by the art’s practitioners. O Sensei brought together his study of multiple martial disciplines, such as aikijujitsu and sword arts, along with his religious and philosophical beliefs, to create his new art.
At the heart of Aikido’s philosophy is a belief in non-contestation. Aikidoka learn to blend, or harmonize, with an attacker’s movements and energy. The goal of Aikido is to resolve the conflict without creating undue harm to the attacker while allowing the person attacked to remain safe. Typical techniques involve movements designed to off-balance the attacker, finishing with either submission locks, pins, or throws.
Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Aikido’s emphasis on using the energy of the attacker to ‘power’ it’s movements and techniques means that it is well suited for people of all sizes, strengths, and physical abilities. Though brute strength is not required, regular aikido practice will change your body and how you utilize it. The development of coordination, balance, core strength, mobility and flexibility are all physical attributes that can be developed. Additionally, Aikido practice helps the student to improve awareness, concentration, and confidence – particularly when faced with potential conflict.
Because we practice with partners, there is another side to Aikido’s benefits. By learning to control our bodies while being subjected to throwing or pinning techniques, we learn how to more safely roll, fall, blend, and otherwise “take ukemi” (or how we receive attacks and techniques). The art of ukemi allows us to reduce our chance of being harmed by a punch or a fall.
Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques; proper etiquette, attitude, and behavior are also stressed. By cooperative training, the Aikidoist betters oneself without belittling others, without the intention of harm, and without the fear of injury.
Aikido can be a great complement (and contrast) to Karate, boxing, and other striking arts. Aikido is also used by many around the world in such professions as law enforcement and mental health/health care to learn to deal with physical confrontations with minimal harm or injury.