While it is most widely known as a martial
art and system of self-defense, Aikido also incorporates elements of personal and
spiritual discipline, where the intensity and focus of martial art training is used as a
"Way" to increase mindfulness and self-awareness, as well as to unify the mind
and body.
At the heart of Aikido training lies the concept, not of
defeating an attacker, but rather of effectively meeting, redirecting and guiding an
opponent’s force to neutralize an attack or aggressive situation. This is
why Aikido is often called "the art of non-resistance" or "the non-fighting
martial art."
Appropriate etiquette and conduct (reigi) are key aspects of
self-discipline incorporated into Japanese martial art training - involving the
cultivation of an attitude of respect (both for self and others), integrity,
impeccability, gratitude, modesty, concern and compassion for others, as well as care and
stewardship of the physical, social and natural environments in which we live.
In the words of the Founder – the aim of Aikido is :”to
unify the mind and body and to promote peace, harmony and cooperation among all
beings”.
 Physical
Aspects of Aikido Training
Aikido contains all the elements of attack,
defense and strategy necessary for effective self-defense. The fundamental principles of
Aikido techniques are those of non-resistance, integrated body movement and the
cultivation of natural internal energy, or "Ki".
Aikido techniques can range widely
in intensity, speed and vigor - from smooth, fluid, and circular body movements that
redirect an opponent's momentum with great efficiency, to rapid, linear body movements
that intercept an attack and effectively neutralize, throw, or immobilize an aggressor. The effective application of an Aikido technique
is achieved through the precise use of timing, control of the breath, leverage, momentum,
balance, and internal energy, originating from the integrated, coordinated and relaxed use
of the body.
Aikido includes techniques to defend
against different types of attack, such as: strikes, grabs and kicks. Techniques are
completed using various throws and joint locks/immobilizations.
The accomplished Aikidoist is well
balanced and stable, while maintaining a responsive, flexible and mobile posture.
Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of the body, close
observation will reveal that nearly all Aikido movements, in fact, involve the coordinated
use of the practitioner's whole body.
Aikido training covers general
fitness and conditioning, as well as instruction in specific techniques. As with
many internal martial arts, great emphasis is placed upon development of a solid
foundation, rooted in the study of basic principles. Because a substantial portion
of any Aikido curriculum consists of throws, in the early stages of training, the student
is shown how to fall and roll safely, to develop the balance, flexibility and
conditioning, as well as ways to cultivate the body-awareness needed to move in an
integrated way. The student learns to sense when the body posture, alignment,
balance and internal "connection" are correct for the expression of internal
strength.
Similarly, because many techniques
involve controlling the balance of an opponent through the manipulation of the joints,
Aikido students are guided through exercises designed to systematically increase the
responsiveness of the body and the mobility and resiliency of the joints.
In most traditional and
semi-traditional Aikido training, little emphasis is placed on free sparring or
free fighting practice - instead, after basic techniques have been learned, a variety of
solo, two-opponent and multiple-opponent drills of increasing complexity, intensity
and structure are used to train practitioners in the martial applications of the various
techniques. At advanced levels, students study and train in tactics of freestyle
defenses against multiple opponents. Some schools (including Mountain Coast Aikikai) also
include weapons training as a part of the core curriculum.
Format of a typical Aikido class
A typical Aikido class opens and
closes with a short formal ceremony. After the short opening ceremony, the class is
typically led through a series of breathing exercises, warm-up exercises (jumbi taiso)
and basic body movements, to prepare the body and mind for training. These exercises
are usually followed by the practice of various falls and rolls (ukemi), as well
as basic forms and techniques that help students learn correct posture, dynamic
relaxation, appropriate distancing (ma-ai) and the body/core integration required
to appropriately use internal strength. Following
the practice of warm-ups and basic forms, any of a variety of techniques or exercises may
be demonstrated by the instructor. The class participants then practice the technique(s)
and/or variations demonstrated by the instructor with one or more partners, with each
taking turns attacking and practicing the technique(s), while the instructor moves about
the class, observing, demonstrating and correcting the students' movements.
Instruction is most commonly given
by means of example and physical demonstration. Verbal instruction is typically kept
to a minimum during class, to keep the focus on study of the techniques through
observation and direct experience of the techniques with one's body.
Depending on the type of Aikido
class and the experience level of the participants, more experienced students may study
more complex or advanced variations of techniques, as well as various martial
applications, counter techniques, handling of multiple attackers and the use of
weapons.
While beginning students of Aikido
are taught basic striking and grabbing/grappling methods, Aikido does not usually place
the same emphasis on powerful striking techniques as do some other martial arts.
Intermediate and advanced Aikido students learn the theory and applications of atemi
(methods of striking the vital points) as a means to affect the opponent’s focus of
attention, balance and posture. The appropriate and effective use of atemi is
considered an integral and essential element of effective Aikido technique.
The training environment in an Aikido dojo is
typically rigorous, dynamic and focused, yet calm and non-competitive. The pace of
practice in any particular class may range from slow and precise study of specific
movement elements, forms and exercises, to dynamic execution of vigorous techniques and
strenuous martial applications, applied with full force and speed. The physical
training emphasizes the development of a relaxed, dynamic, integrated and naturally supple
way of moving the body, while cultivating mental and physical alertness, responsiveness,
calmness, and focused awareness. Emphasis is on development of
kinesthetic awareness needed to begin to move in an unforced, yet integrated way that
flows naturally from within one's body.
Aikido training is multi-faceted
and can be demanding and personally challenging – emotionally, mentally and
physically. However, each student is taught in a progressive way and is encouraged
to train according to his/her capacity and to improve at his/her own pace. In
addition, the non-competitive aspect of Aikido enables men and women of all ranks to train
and develop together in a dynamic and harmonious setting.
Weapons
Training
Although Aikido techniques are most commonly performed
empty-handed, some Aikido schools include weapons training as part of their curriculum, as
many of the empy-handed techniques in Aikido have origins in the movements of traditional
Japanese weapons arts. In Aikido schools that offer weapons training, the weapons
studied most commonly include: bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto
(knife). Some Aikido dojo also include the study of Iaido (the art of drawing
the Japanese sword) as part of their curriculum.
Weapons training in Aikido may include solo practice,
partner and multiple-opponent encounters, and range from weapon to weapon encounters, to
weapon-taking, to weapon-retention techniques. The use of weapons is typically studied for what it
can reveal about correct body posture, integrated body movement, the origins of
empty-handed techniques, and about the roots of Aikido as a Japanese martial art.
Mountain Coast Aikikai offers
regular instruction in the use of bokken, jo and tanto, usually for students at
intermediate and advanced levels in their Aikido training.
Meditation Training (Zazen)
For contemporary martial artists,
meditation training, such as zazen (zen meditation) offers practitioners a
powerful way to augment the ability to focus and calm the mind, improve mindfulness and
deepen the training experience by bringing oneself closer to the roots of martial
discipline.
Zen Buddhism and Japanese martial
culture have long been closely associated, through Japan's traditional Bushido
(way of the warrior), which developed between the 9th to 12th centuries. Zen’s
emphasis on the impermanence of life, non-attachment, the surrender of the ego and its
emphasis on remaining focused in the present moment suited it well for the early samurai
whose life was constantly at risk and whose survival depended on the ability to act
quickly, instinctively and without hesitation.
An introduction to basic techniques
of zazen (Zen-Buddhist meditation) is offered as part of the curriculum at the
dojo and all members are strongly encouraged to incorporate a regular meditation,
concentration, or mindfulness practice into their daily lives.
Benefits of Aikido Training
Through regular Aikido training,
students acquire not only physical skills, but also cultivate the capacity to stay calm
and focused, particularly in situations of crisis and stress in any area of their lives,
whether it be at home, at work, or on the street. Through training, the body
remembers how to move naturally and the mind remembers how to be still. Many
practitioners report improvements in their self-confidence, physical fitness, well-being,
calmness, mental and physical poise in their daily lives.
The Dojo - "The
place of the Way"
Aikido
training takes place in a place called a dojo (“the place of the Way”).
The dojo is considered a sacred space where people assemble for training,
self-discipline and engage themselves in personal development if the
"Way". The concept of the dojo encompasses more than just the
physical training space, it also includes the larger community -- the activity of mutual
cooperation and attentiveness embodied during training on the mat is extended into one's
activities outside the dojo and into the community as a whole. Mutual support is an
important element in the life of the dojo, while at the same time, it is up to
each individual to patiently and diligently engage in the training necessary to truly
master the art.
When
one becomes a member of a dojo, one joins a special community and makes a commitment to
being "present" in the dojo, as an active participant. This includes
assisting with the activities of running the dojo (such as participating with dojo
cleaning and organization, keeping membership fees up to date, etc.).
Membership
in a dojo should be regarded somewhat differently than one might regard a membership in a
gym or fitness club. Membership fees should be regarded as a contribution that
enables the dojo to operate and continue its function of maintaining and operating a
facility where its members can train and develop themselves through the study of the art.
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