About Aikido

What is Aikido?

Aikido was developed as a distinct and systematic marital art by Morihei Ueshiba, one of the world’s greatest martial artists and a profoundly spiritual man, during the early part of the 20th century. It is a martial art renowned for its grace and power that emphasizes peace and harmonious interaction rather than aggression or violence. Aikido addresses conflict, stress and fear through embracing and blending with an opposing force. People practice Aikido for a variety of reasons--self defense, physical fitness, self-discovery/development. While Aikido is practiced by a variety of people for a variety of reasons and at different levels of intensity, it should always be remembered that it is a highly effective means of self-defense.

As one practitioner observed:

Aikido is a martial art. You will find out on the mat, and later in your own life, just how powerful it is. The more you practice it, the more you will acquire that power. As your technical abilities increase, the greater your capacity for compassion, restraint, and patience must be. Protecting your attacker along with yourself is the purpose and beauty of Aikido. Simply defeating someone else is not.

Aikido is considered to be one of the most unique and ethical of the martial arts because of the purely defensive nature of its techniques and strategies, as well as its emphasis on neutralizing aggression and restoring harmony. More than one million men, women and children around the world practice Aikido.

Aikido Technique

The essence of Aikido technique is spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Aikidoists learn to "blend" with the force of an attack rather than meet it directly. Flowing, circular movements engulf, then control an opponent’s movements. Using the same forces created by a tornado or whirlpool, a practitioner not only avoids or deflects the force of an attack, but draws the attacker into the aikidoist’s control. The force of the attack is then either redirected by throwing an opponent or safely controlled by an immobilizing joint lock and pint. The aim is not to harm the attacker; rather, the goal is to resolve the confrontation safely, and in a manner that benefits both parties.

Because Aikido techniques do not rely on strength for effectiveness, it is an art that can be practiced and mastered by people of all ages and body types.

Aikido Training

Aikido is learned cooperatively at a pace commensurate with the abilities of each person. Most practice is done with a partner, each person alternating as uke (the attacker and person who receives the throw) and nage (the person attacked who executes the technique). There are no tournaments, competitions or contests. Aikido is a cooperative, not competitive, endeavor. Your only competitor is yourself.

Effective Aikido technique involves powerful throws. Therefore, learning to fall safely is an important aspect of training. All aikidoists, from beginners to black belts, practice their ukemi (falling techniques) constantly. After a relatively short period of training, you will fine that the awkwardness and fear of falling down transforms into the joy of flying. As your ukemi develops, you gain confidence, alertness, and a freedom to practice more joyously and more vigorously. This transformation occurs not just with your Aikido practice on the mat, but in other dimensions of your daily living as well. The practice of Aikido becomes not just an activity you go to several times a week; it becomes a more integral part of your everyday living and attitude.

Thus, the rewards of Aikido training are many and varied. On the physical level, the benefits include increased stamina and improved flexibility, balance and muscle tone. As alluded to, the psychological benefits of sustained training include enhanced self-confidence, a heightened awareness of yourself and your surroundings and a deepened sense of well-being and calm.

It must be emphasized, there are no short cuts in Aikido. This is not a "quick-fix" or "fast food" marital art. This is not a martial art that blithely hands out black belts after two or three years of training. For its serious practitioners, Aikido is a lifelong path or dedicated training, a path filled with great challenges as well as many opportunities for humility and personal growth. It is also rewarding and fun.