AIKIDO THE NON-FIGHTING MARTIAL ART

Aikido is a relatively new self-defence art, founded in Japan by Master Morihei Uyeshiba. As a youth Uyeshiba Sensei, orO-Sensei (great teacher) as he was called, applied himself to many ardouos years of training in "budo" or the Japanese martial arts. He mastered Jiu-jitsu, the use of the spear and the staff, and enjoyed a reputation as unbeatable with the sword.
O-Sensei also delved deeply into religion, studying Zen Buddhism and the Shinto religion. Although he became very strong and won many matches, he was troubled with the idea that winning at someone else's expense was not really winning. He came to realise that true self-defence is not winning over others but winning over the discord within oneself.

Though he was an acknowledged master, he began to practice movements, exploring them deeply, searching mentally, and sitting for long hours in meditation. As a result, Aikido was born as a way to divert harm from oneself whilst not inflicting permanent injury on an aggressor. As Aikido developed, it became clear that it was not only an effective means of self-defence, but a way to interpret life through the study of the energy flow of the universe.

THE MEANING OF THE WORD "AIKIDO"

The word "Aikido" in Japanese is made up of three characters or kanji. The first and most important is "AI" which means "to meet, come together and harmonise". The second kanji is "KI" which means "the spirit (of the universe) or soul". The third and last character is "DO" which means "the way or path", as in Ken-do, or Ju-do, to signify that the study of Aikido does not involve only self-defence techniques but includes positive character building ideals which a person can incorporate into his or her daily life.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF AIKIDO

Although Aikido is primarily a self defence art, it has as one of its philosophical pillars the notion of being in Harmony with your attackers rather than being in conflict with them. The ideal of Aikido is not to think of overpowering and defeating an opponent, but to harmonize with them.

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. Through the physical practice of the self-defence techniques, the Aikido student comes to appreciate and understand the mental and spiritual aspects of Aikido.

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.

AIKIDO MOVEMENTS AND TECHNIQUES

Aikido movements emphasize flexibility, balance, and circular motions. The aim of the Aikidoka 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 spherical flowing motion. The beauty of Aikido movements comes from the coordinated motion of the entire body. The joint locking techniques, such as those applied to the wrist or elbow, flex the joints in the direction of natural bending. They result in no permanent damage to the joint or tissues even though the techniques are effective and can be painful.

TRAINING FOR MIND AND BODY

During an Aikido class, students practice techniques for blending with and neutralizing punches, grabs, and other assaults. This training developes balance, flexibility, and coordination, as well as concentration and self confidence in the face of an attack. The ultimate goal of Aikido training is to master a calm, alert, and confident approach to conflict