about aikido
Aikido is a non-violent and non-competitive Japanese martial art, which emphasizes neutralizing and controlling the force of an attack. Aikido means “the way of harmony with life energy" (ki). Aikido was developed by Morehei Ueshiba, commonly called O’Sensei (great teacher). O’Sensei was a Japanese soldier, farmer, philosopher and one of the greatest martial arts masters in history. He studied and became master of jujutsu, judo, swordsmanship, spear, bayonet, and military combat techniques prior to developing Aikido.
Aikido differs in training and purpose from other martial arts. The training is a physical process with a spiritual result. O’Sensei realized that simply accumulating strength and technique for fighting is ultimately futile. He saw the true purpose of the martial way of life to be the refinement of the individual. O’Sensei created Aikido as a martial way for students to develop a strong body and a calm mind. The natural reaction becomes defense rather than offense, protection rather than destruction.
Aikido practice is strenuous, but not violent; demanding but not rough. It is manifested through smooth spiral movements with no sense of conflict between partners, with no winners or losers. There is no competition in Aikido, no matches, no sparring.
Aikido differs in training and purpose from other martial arts. The training is a physical process with a spiritual result. O’Sensei realized that simply accumulating strength and technique for fighting is ultimately futile. He saw the true purpose of the martial way of life to be the refinement of the individual. O’Sensei created Aikido as a martial way for students to develop a strong body and a calm mind. The natural reaction becomes defense rather than offense, protection rather than destruction.
Aikido practice is strenuous, but not violent; demanding but not rough. It is manifested through smooth spiral movements with no sense of conflict between partners, with no winners or losers. There is no competition in Aikido, no matches, no sparring.
