Makotokan Aikido
Aikido is …... |
|
| Aikido
means “The Way of Harmony with the Universal Spirit” meaning
it is a martial art which emphasises harmony or non resistance with
the laws of nature and the universe.
Aikido is,in name, a modern martial art
being derived and developed this century by Morihei Ueshiba an immensely
talented martial artist and deeply spiritual man. However, Aikido
is directly related to very ancient forms of Budo (Ways of the warrior)
which Ueshiba developed and adapted into into his own system, modern
in name but deeply rooted in the wisdom of Japans indigenous religion
of Shinto, in Zen and in the ways and fighting techniques of the
Samurai warrior. |
O’Sensei executing
ikkajo pin |
| At its most basic level Aikido
is an effective defensive martial art (Budo) which uses the attackers
own power to subdue them. This is accomplished by avoiding and “blending”
with an attack, the force of which is then redirected as necessary
to bring about a controlled conclusion. Aikido techniques end generally
in 2 ways: with a projection (or throw) or with a pin ( immobilization).
Since no 2 attacks are identical the Aikido repertoire has hundreds of techniques in order to deal with every possibility, however these have been distilled down into 10 foundation techniques which form the basics for training purposes. Despite all of these techniques the true skills , which can only be learned over a long period of time, are connected to timing, control of space , effective use of the unified power of the body (Kokyu ryoku) and perhaps most important of all maintaining a clear and undisturbed mind under any circumstances (this is the hardest!). Aikido training also incorporates the use of certain traditional Japanese weapons namely the BOKKEN ( a wooden replica of the Samurai sword), the JO ( a 4ft oak staff ) and the TANTO(Japanese dagger), this involves both use of the weapon itself and techniques for disarming a weapon carrier. Training in Aikido involves developing the
physical, mental, spiritual and social aspects of human existence
and daily life. At its highest level Aikido may be described as
a spiritual path realized through physical movements (its techniques
or “wasa”) which are in harmony with and reflect the
movements of the universe. |
|
