What is aikido?
Aikido is a unique martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei, or Great Teacher) in the early 20th century. Composed of three Japanese characters: Ai, meaning harmony; Ki, spirit or energy; and Do, the path or the way, the word Aikido translates as the "Way of Unifying Life Energy". In this regard, O-Sensei created a martial art in which the preservation of one’s attacker is equally important as one’s own self defense.
Aikido offers a way of creating balance when presented with conflict. The attack of an opponent is redirected. This allows for no harm to come to yourself or your opponent, creating harmony in place of fighting.
Aikido offers a way of creating balance when presented with conflict. The attack of an opponent is redirected. This allows for no harm to come to yourself or your opponent, creating harmony in place of fighting.
The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. The aikidoka (aikido practitioner) trains to harmonize with, rather than confront an aggressive line of force and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless. The aikidoka trains to apply various wrist-locks, arm pins or unbalancing throws to subdue and neutralize attackers without serious injury. Such practice is done in tandem with learning the art of falling, or "ukemi", which trains the body and mind to receive such techniques in a safe manner.
