What is Aikido?
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art. The majority of Aikido techniques are derived from
Aikijujutsu,
a classical Japanese martial art. Aikido movements are also
heavily influenced by the sword, stick and spear arts. The "do" in
Aikido signifies the art is concerned with personal development as well
as technical proficiency. Aikido is more than a collection of
martial techniques. The application of Aikido involves
neutralizing an attack, followed by throwing or pinning the attacker.
Aikido techniques are characterized by their fluidity, blending and
active non-resistance with the attack. Aikido is primarily
defensive in nature. Consequently, there is less emphasis on
damaging the attacker than in most other martial arts. Attackers
are controlled with a minimum of physical damage.
Aikido Practice
Basic Aikido practice consists of working with a partner, in which both participants take turns as attacker and defender. This kata practice involves the defender applying a particular technique to a specified attack. Both attack and defense are pre-arranged. Advanced Aikido practice involves Randori (free style) where one defender faces multiple attackers simultaneously. Neither attack nor defense is pre-arranged. Randori practice is useful in developing spontaneous responses to unknown attacks.Beginners are encouraged to become familiar with taking ukemi (rolling and falling) as soon as possible. Poor ukemi skills hinder progress in the art. Taking falls should not be considered "losing" to your partner. It is how you protect yourself while giving your partner feedback on the effectiveness of their technique. Ukemi is an excellent sensitivity exercise and should be looked on as an integral part of Aikido practice.
It is important to exercise control when practicing with your partner. Uke must not be thrown harder or faster than they can tolerate. Likewise, continuously defeating your partner's technique during practice does not help them develop their skills. Injuring your partner will not be tolerated.
The application of Aikido involves neutralizing an attack, followed by throwing or pinning the attacker. Aikido techniques are characterized by their fluidity, blending and active non-resistance with the attack. Aikido is primarily defensive in nature. Consequently, there is less emphasis on striking and damaging the attacker than in most other martial arts. Attackers are controlled with a minimum of physical damage.
One of the goals of Aikido is acting in harmony with the universe. By bringing oneself into harmony with natural law, conflict is resolved naturally without the need to damage or degrade others. Aikido is not concerned with winning and losing. Striving to win at the expense of others causes a loss of harmony within oneself and the community at large.
Benefits of Aikido Practice
* Development of a physical and spiritual "Center". Consistent practice allows the student to move from the tanden, the physical center of the body and the seat of physical power. Learning to move in harmony with attacking forces allows one to act naturally and without excess tension in times of stress or conflict.* Learning a martial art and form of self-defense. Aikido is an effective martial art and form of self-defense. However, Aikido requires dedicated practice.
* Development of conflict resolution skills to deal with physical and verbal attacks. Aikido practice is concerned with resolving conflict by moving with the attack, instead of against it. The same mental conditioning that allows one to move with a physical attack is applicable to verbal attacks. By harmonizing with the aggressor, one becomes virtually "unattackable".
* Aerobic conditioning. Most beginners start out slowly as they become familiar with basic Aikido movements. After basic movements and falls are understood, however, Aikido practice can be as aerobic as you and your partner want it to be.
Weapons Practice
* Suburi and kata.Solo practice develops an understanding of basic weapons handling, which is essential to
mastering Aikido movements* Kumi Jo and Kumi tachi.
Partner practice with stick and sword build on suburi and kata; and promotes the development of blending and connecting with one's partner.
* Jo tori, tachi tori and tanto tori.
Defending against an armed attacker is useful in developing one's center and movement skills. Weapons practice is an extension of the basic empty hand techniques of Aikido.