 Morihei Ueshiba, |
What is Aikido?Aikido is a modern, Japanese martial art that was developed early in this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). In Japanese, Aikido means "the way of harmony with the force and principle of nature." Aikido is derived from Japanīs traditional budo ("martial way"), but is more than just a set of techniques for fighting or self-defense. It is a path where the keen edge of martial art is used as a "Way" to holistic personal growth.Aikido classes consist primarily of repetition of various motions known as kata (forms) with a partner, until rational and unforced movement flows naturally throughout the body. Trainees take turns as uke (the "attacker") and shite (the "defender" or "do-er"). The movements within the forms serve to place shite in a position of relative strength and safety to redirect the force of the attack and unbalance and/or pin uke. Aikido is largely derived from traditional Japanese weapons work; for this reason training frequently incorporates the proper use of wooden or bamboo weapons such as the bokken or shinai (sword), jo (short staff) and tanto (knife). In advanced applications practice may involve attacks from multiple armed or unarmed opponents. There are no competitions in Aikido, which is a logical conclusion of its philosophy of harmony, and also preserves the original martial effectiveness of its techniques. Because winning and losing are never a concern, trainees are free to dedicate their efforts to the mutual goal of self-development. It is therefore possible for men, women, and children of all ages and experience levels to practice together. Individuals train and progress at their own pace, finding harmony through personal development. Regular practice brings a sense of well-being and self-confidence that permeates all aspects of daily life. Aikido is ultimately not only a physical, but also a spiritual discipline. Trainees learn to respect others through mutual physical contact. In this way, a means of communication is established which transcends the barriers of lifestyle, language, culture, and race. Aikido, as a martial Way for all people, helps to direct the completion and unification of each person's body, mind, and spirit with the fundamental and creative spirit of the universe. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
| Can Aikido be used for self-defense? |
| Training in most martial arts will be useful for self-defense by helping students develop a strong physical and mental presence that can be applied in threatening situations. However, the ability to use any artīs techniques in "real life" will likely require many yearsī training. If personal safety is your primary concern you may wish to take a self-defense course or workshop. |
| Iīve heard that Aikido is a "soft" art. What does that mean? |
| Different people mean different things by calling martial arts "soft" or "hard". For us, the notion of "softness" is related to the principle of not opposing an opponentīs force directly, but deflecting and redirecting it (often called "blending"). However, the training is vigorous and the movements produce effective results. |
| How often do people train? |
| People train anywhere from once per week to every day. Generally speaking it is best to train a minimum of 2-3 hours per week in order to make consistent progress. |
| Iīm a little bit out of shape. Can I still start training? |
| You do not have to be in more than average shape to begin Aikido. As you train you will become stronger and more flexible and will generally get a good workout, but you will not be asked to perform any physical activities you are unable or unwilling to do. As with any exercise program, check with your physician if you have any concerns before beginning Aikido. |
| Iīm interested, how do I begin? |
| We encourage all new members to watch a class before joining. To sign up simply come to the dojo 10-15 minutes prior to one of the Basics classes. After filling out a short application form and paying the necessary fees, weīll get you started! If you are interested please consider one of our new member specials |
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Updated April 10, 2007