 What
is Aikido?Aikido is
a contemporary Japanese budo or "Martial Way" developed by Morihei Ueshiba
(1883-1969). While 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,
self-awareness and unify the mind and body.
The Japanese word Aikido
consists of three characters which can be translated as "the way of unity (or
harmony) with the fundamental force of the Universe."
Aikido contains all the
elements of attack, defense and strategy necessary for effective self-defense. The
fundamental principles of Aikido are those of non-resistance, movement of the body in an
integrated way, and the cultivation of natural internal energy (Ki). 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-saho or reigi)
is one of the main pillars of self-discipline incorporated into Aikido training, fostering
an attitude of respect (both for self and others), gratitude, humility, concern for
others, as well as care of the physical and social environment around us.
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”.
Principles
of Movement in Aikido
Many of the techniques of Aikido rely on integrated body
movements that create a circular or spiral motion around a stable, energized center.
These movements enable the Aikidoist to intercept and control the balance, speed and
direction of motion of an opponent's attack. Aikido techniques may 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. Effective application of Aikido technique is
achieved through the precise use of timing, breath, leverage, inertia, balance, and
internal energy, originating from the integrated, coordinated and relaxed use of the
body. 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 whole body.
As with other internal martial
arts, Aikido training places great emphasis upon development of a solid foundation, rooted
in the study of basic principles. In the early stages of training the student is
shown how to fall and roll safely, to develop balance, flexibility and conditioning and 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 Aikido training, little emphasis is placed on free sparring or free fighting
practice - instead a variety of solo, two-person and multiple-person drills of varying
complexity, intensity, and structure are used to train practitioners in the various
martial applications of the techniques.
Structure
of a typical Aikido class
A typical Aikido class begins with
a formal, short opening ceremony. Breathing exercises and basic movements body are
usually performed next, to warm-up and focuse one's awareness on the body. These
exercises are usually followed by the practice of various falls and rolls (ukemi),
as well as basic forms and techniques that help the student learn correct posture, dynamic
relaxation, distance and integrated movement required to appropriately use internal
strength.
Class participants may be shown any
of a variety of techniques or exercises by the instructor. These are then practiced
repetitively with one or more partners, while the instructor moves about the class,
observing and correcting the student’s movements.
Instruction is most commonly given by means of example and/or physical
demonstration. In more traditional dojos, verbal instruction is usually kept to a
minimum - the emphasis is on having the students learn with the eyes and the body.
In this way, participants learn to cultivate their ability to observe and to
systematically build a base for integrated and unforced movement that flows naturally from
the body.
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. Beginning students of Aikido do not usually learn striking methods and
Aikido does not typically place the same emphasis on powerful striking techniques as do
many other martial arts. However, advanced Aikido students learn the theory and
applications of atemi (methods of striking the vital points) to change the
opponent’s focus of attention, balance and posture.
The training environment in the 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 execution of specific movement elements,
forms and exercises, to extremely vigorous techniques and strenuous martial applications
applied with full force and speed. The emphasis of the physical training is on
developing a relaxed, dynamic, integrated and naturally supple way of moving the body,
while cultivating mental and physical responsiveness, calmness, focus and awareness. Aikido training is multi-faceted
and can be demanding and personally challenging – emotionally, mentally and
physically.
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 together in a dynamic and harmonious setting.
Benefits of Aikido Training
Through practice, students acquire not only
physical skills, but also cultivate the capacity to stay calm and focused in situations of
crisis and stress in any area of their lives, whether it be at home, at work, or on the
street. Many
practitioners report significant improvements in self-confidence and well-being and
beneficial changes in their lives from training in Aikido.
Weapons
Training
Although the majority of Aikido
techniques are performed empty handed, some Aikido dojos also offer regular instruction in
the use of traditional weapons -- usually for students at intermediate and advanced
levels. Weapons work in Aikido may include training with bokken
(wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto (knife). Weapons training is
studied, in large part, for what it reveals about the way the body moves and about the
roots of Aikido as a martial art.
Meditation Training (Zazen)
In some dojos meditation training is incorporated as a part of
the study of Aikido. This training may
involve instruction and practice of techniques from various meditation traditions,
depending on the background of the instructor.
Zen Buddhism has had a
long-standing historical connection to the martial culture of Japan and has been
considered a fundamental aspect of Bushido in Japan since the Kamakura period.
Zen’s emphasis on the impermanence of life, non-attachment, the surrender of
one’s ego, and its emphasis on staying 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.
For contemporary martial artists,
Zen meditation training (Zazen) offers a powerful way to deepen and increase the
focus of the training and bring oneself closer to the roots of martial discipline.
Aikido students at Mountain Coast
Aikikai are strongly encouraged to incorporate Zazen, or another form of personal
meditation practice, into their training.
The Dojo Space
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 personal development in 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, non-resistance and attentiveness embodied
during training on the mat is extended into one's activities outside the dojo and in 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.
Membership
in a dojo should be considered differently than membership in, for example, a gym or
fitness club. Fees paid to the dojo should not be regarded as payment for instruction.
Rather, members are encouraged to consider membership fees in the dojo as a
contribution that enables the dojo to continue its function of providing a sacred space
for its members to train and develop themselves through the study of Aikido. |
