WHAT
IS AIKIDO
The word, in fact, means, “method
or way - DO for the Coordination or Harmony - AI of
Mental Energy or Spirit – KI ”. The particular martial
art method developed by Master Morihei Uyeshiba in
Japan which he referred to as "aikido" combines
practical self-defense movements taken from sword
and spear fighting, jujutsu, aikijutsu and other ancient,
more esoteric forms of the martial arts—with an emphasis
from the very first moment of practice upon a characteristic
centralization of thought and action, and the extension
of mental energy or ki that makes this such an intriguing
art. it is unique method of self-defense equally adaptable
to and effective against a single attacker or several.
Moreover, in a manner which makes aikido practice
possible for people of all ages and both sexes.But
why do we say that aikido is unique? Almost every
martial art can claim to be an efficient means of
self-defense and many can be safely practiced by old
and young a like. How does aikido differ from all
the others? The difference lies in the essential motivations
and characteristic effects which indetify its practice,
and the early as well as continuing emphasis placed
upon them. these includede the following: Aikido.
purely in its practical application, is an art of
self-defense.
It is entirely reflexive, and related ethically to
defense against an unprovoked attack. There is no
attack in aikido. When the techniques are applied
by aikidoists who have achieved a certain degree of
mastery in the art, they will leave no serious injury
in their wake.There constant reference to the hara
or a man's "Centre" (i.e., (center of gravity),
as the point of concentration of energy; there is
the predominance of references to ki, or "Inner
Energy," as the particular form of energy to
be employed. Finally, there is the interesting possibility
of expanding these concepts and their relevance to
areas outside the comparatively restricted world of
the martial arts. There is the characteristic strategy
(i.e., movements, displacements, technigues) peculiar
to the, and the emphasis upon circularity or "sphericity"
in the application of that strategy.The recent expansion
of aikido on a world-wide scale is nothing less than
phenomenal. The total aikido population today exceeds
one million, and the International Aikido Federation
is growing stronger than ever.
The reason for this lies in aikido itself, which,
I believe, ex-presses in both principle and practice
the highest form of martial-aesthetic-spiritual art
that traditional Japanese culture has produced.Aikido
manifests the ultimate reality: the flowing spontaneous
movements of nature within which is packed the unmatched
power of ki Its goal is the formation of the ideal
human self unifying body and mind, realized through
vigorous mental and physical training, and the attainment
of dynamic life in both activity and stillness. The
spirituality of its fundamental principle and the
rationality of its execution are at the core of aikido's
international renown.Accompanying the dramatic developments
in science, technology and material civilization in
modern times is the aggravation of the human spirit,
which experiences restlessness, insecurity and loss
of direction. I his is heightened by the threat of
nuclear holocaust; mankind today stands on the brink
of global disaster.In this age of radical dehumanization
aikido has a special attraction. Especially appealing
is the fact that each person, regardless of age, sex
or athletic ability, can realize through practice
the unification of the fundamental creative principle,
ki, permeating the universe, and the Individual ki,
manifested in breath-power.
This unification is the source of
life energy, which not only fills the spiritual vacuum
but provides daily living with real substance and
meaning.The Japanese martial arts were inspired originally
by the goal of vic-tory on the battlefield. But victory
is short-lived; it passes quickly and disappears.
One may exult in the battle that is won, but this
is never the final fulfilling victory. Thus, a contradiction
existed: dedicating one's life to training vigorously
for a goal that was evanescent.This contradiction
was resolved in the formation of budo (the Way of
the martial arts), its foremost modern exponent being
aikido. Aikido' teaches the way to realize absolute
victory based on the philosophy of non-contention.
Non-contention means to deflate the aggressive, combative,
destructive instincts within a person and to channel
them into the power of creative love. Such a philosophy
carries that much more weight when taught by a martial
art, but it is the essence of budo.Due to the rapid
expansion of aikido throughout the world, we feel
that the true meaning of this art has not always been
properly conveyed and practiced. Although we welcome
the internationalization of aikido, if it does not
preserve the basic philosophy and ideals as formulated
by the founder, Master Ueshiba Morihei, it would be
indeed regrettable. For this reason we feel a strong
sense of responsibility, and we are constantly working
to improve the situation.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
