Aikido: A Non-Competitive, Japanese Martial Art
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a non-competitive Japanese martial art that does not use punching or kicking, but instead relies on using an attacker’s energy to gain control of a situation. Developed by master martial artist Morihei Ueshiba (referred to by Aikidoists as 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'), it is an art involving throws, joint locks and hand-to-hand techniques derived in part from Jujitsu and Kenjutsu.
Aikido places great emphasis on the dynamics of movement, positioning, centering, and balance. Whether it is applicable self-defense techniques, core combat skills, physical health, spiritual development, or peace of mind, Aikido practitioners will find what they seek.
O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the advancement of harmony and peace. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is at the heart of Aikido.
The Way of Harmony: The Philosophy of Aikido
The Japanese word, "Aikido," is composed of three characters. "Ai" means 'to unite, to come together, or harmonize.' The second character is "Ki" which means energy, mind, or spirit. "Ki" can also mean "Spirit of the Universe" or "Universal Energy." The last character "Do"means "a Way" or a "Path." Do implies that Aikido is not just a physical practice of self defense techniques, but also a system that includes self development as well as spiritual development.
Altogether these characters mean "the Way to Harmonize with the Spirit of the Universe"...in short, "The Way of Harmony."
Although Aikido is primarily a self defense art, one of its philosophical pillars is the concept of being in harmony with your attackers rather than being in conflict. The ultimate goal of training Aikido is to master a calm, alert, and confident approach to conflict and develop a courageous and compassionate spirit that whole heartedly confronts the challenges and difficulties of life.
The ideal of Aikido is not overpowering and defeating an opponent, but harmonizing with them both spiritually & physically. This is why Aikido is sometimes called "The Art of Nonresistance", or "The Non-Fighting Martial Art." In effect, the goal is to empower oneself in order to never be “helpless.”
Traditional Aikido of Sarasota Classes
During an Aikido class, students practice techniques for merging with and neutralizing punches, grabs, and other assaults. This training develops balance, flexibility, and coordination, as well as concentration and self confidence in the face of an attack.
Aikido techniques express elements of philosophy, psychology, and physics. As we learn the movements, we will, at the same time, train our minds, improve our health and develop self-confidence. During practice sessions, partners work in harmony with each other, learning when and how to yield, how to lead and guide another person's movements and how to control an opponent through non-resistive techniques. Learn more...
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Aikido Movements & Techniques
The aim of the Aikidoist is to have their mind and body unified and to maintain a calm, alert posture and spirit. Aikido movement originates at the hips and expresses itself through the arms and hands as a dance-like graceful, spherical flowing motion. The beauty of Aikido movements comes from the coordinated motion of the entire body--each part contributing to the integrated sequence of movement.
The joint locking techniques, such as those applied to the wrist or elbow, flex the joints in the direction of natural bending. They result is no permanent damage to the joint or tissues even though the techniques are effective and can be painful.
In addition to "open-handed" techniques, we use wooden weapons, called the bokken and jo, to help develop balance, timing, and an ability to control the space in relation to others. The bokken is a wooden sword, the jo a wooden staff. We do not train to fight with these, but use them as teachers-- physical extensions of our body and energy.
