Aikido: Harmony of Body and Spirit

For every yin, there is a yang. Opposites are never entirely opposite but rather can be complementary. A discipline that bats for harmony and restraint, Aikido is just about one of the most peaceful yet effective methods of self defense attracting students all over the world including film action star Steven Seagal who is also a recognized sensei of Aikido at the level of 7^th Dan.

AI-KI-DO (Harmony, Spirit, the Martial Way): Its origins

Developed in the early 20^th century by Japanese Morihei Ueshiba also known in aikido circles as "O-Sensei" (Teacher,) Aikido seeks to combine the forces of spirit (Ki) and body (Ai) and channel it into something positive known as the martial way (Do).

The physical part of Aikido found its roots when a then young Ueshiba met a man called Sokaku Takeda, a master of daito ryu-aiki ju-jutsu, also known as "Oshikiuchi" or "striking arts" which was founded in the 6^th Century.

Ueshiba trained as a student of Oshikiuchi from 1912-1919 under the wing of Takeda.

Onisaburo Deguchi, founder of an esoteric religion called "Omoto-Kyo was Ueshiba’s next mentor. It was from Deguchi that Ueshiba gleaned spiritual beliefs that he later integrated in the practice of Aikido.

The year 1927 saw Ueshiba’s opening of the Kobukan Dojo in Tokyo. Joining together the martial arts and spiritual principles gleaned from Takeda and Deguchi respectively, the martial art was called "Ueshiba Aiko-budo," later to be renamed "Aikido."

How it Works

There are two fundamental requirements in the practice of Aikido: dedication and respect for the practice of techniques and principles of the martial art.

Other than that, anybody can practice Aikido. There are no physical strength requirements or age limits.

Imagine being attacked by an enemy. Meeting it head on with your own force can only result in a contest where the one with the advantage of more physical strength comes out as the victor.

Now take Aikido. The main principle is to "absorb" the force being directed to the point of imbalance. The Aikido "way" is them employed through throwing or joint immobilization techniques taking down the opponent in less violent yet highly effective means.

Simply put, go with the flow, harmonizing with the opponent, go in the same direction as he is going until he reaches a point where his physical balance is compromised and the aikidoka (aikido student/practitioner) can gain the upper hand.

There is a constant, ongoing quip that when two aikidokas are pitted against each other in a match, no fight will happen. This is simply because majority of the techniques used are based on the aggressor making the first move. No attacker’s force, no techniques executed.

The movements for aikido techniques are derived from movements in wielding the Japanese sword and spear fighting arts. The bokken (replica sword) and the jo (a stick) are used as aids to further understanding and skill at the fluid execution of techniques.

There are two elements that are also considered essential in the training for the proper execution of techniques: the "Ki" or the "flow of energy," and the "Budo" or the martial way where each technique is practiced with dedication and total commitment.

Training

The first thing aikidokas learn in the practice of aikido is how to fall properly and absorb the effects of various techniques. This is then followed by exercises in free standing solo body movements where aikidokas are trained in proper shifting of weight, balance, and the fundamental discipline behind each technique.

When a certain degree of familiarity with the movements are attained, the techniques are then taught with varying degrees of difficulty depending on the aikidoka’s own progress.

The grading system used in Aikido is the "Kyu" system from 6^th to 1^st Kyu before being eligible to take the exams for promotion to 1^st Dan (1^st degree black belt,) and on to higher Dan levels. Promotion qualification standards are set by the hombu (headquarters) in Japan.

Schools of Aikido

Other than the traditional Aikido taught by O-Sensei Ueshiba, there are four other schools set up by four former students of Ueshiba who, at various stages, left the dojo and set up their own schools propagating their individual ideals.