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ABOUT AIKIDO
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WHAT IS AIKIDO?
Aikido is a modern day Japanese martial art with roots in jujitsu and
kendo. It was founded by Morehei Ueshiba O-Sensei (1883-1969), one of
the greatest martial artists of all time.
AI (pronounced
"I" is translated as harmony, KI (pronounced "key") is the life force
or spiritual energy, and DO (pronounced "doe" means Path or Way, the
same as Tao. Aikido can thus be translated as the Way of harmonizing ki
or the Way of harmony.
Aikido practice
is done with a partner. "Aikido is unique among martial disciplines in
that its ingenious design allows it to be practiced with full bodily
contact without injury or competition" William Gleason, The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido.
Aikido movements are natural and simple, and their effectiveness is
derived from timing and positioning rather than from physical strength
and power. Extension and correct alignment are foundation stones. Thus
Aikido is practiced to great benefit by young and old, female and male,
the strong and not-so-strong.
Aikido training can be undertaken as a method of self-defense, a
satisfying workout, a spiritual path, or any combination of those. It
is a practice that unites the physical mental, emotional, and spiritual
aspects of the human being through concentrated action and
attentiveness. Etiquette and a spirit of harmony (non-competitiveness)
are intrinsic to the art. Increased stamina and self-confidence, and a
feeling of well-being, generally accompany practice.
There are no competitions in Aikido; one progresses through the kyu
grades (white belt: fkfth kyu to first kyu) and then through the dan
grades (black belt).
To learn more about Aikido explore the links on this site.
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