Aikido – The Art of Self-Defense

aikido

The martial art of aikido is based on the principle that one overcomes aggression by redirecting force and motion, rather than fighting it head-on. In the process, aikido develops physical and spiritual harmony.

Aikido is a comprehensive Japanese martial art founded by Morihei UESHIBA early in the Showa period. It incorporates the ancient Japanese martial arts of jujutsu (the use of unarmed combat), kenjutsu (samurai swordplay) and jojutsu (martial art using a bamboo staff). It is characterized by the belief that’small can beat big’ regardless of age, gender and body build through the “rational use of body energy,” and promotes harmony with nature and world peace.

Unlike the more aggressive striking arts such as boxing and karate, aikido emphasizes joint-locking and pinning techniques designed to disable opponents before they can hurt you. The blending with and redirection of the attacker’s power and motion is commonly referred to as “aiki” or “breath power.” Techniques such as the heavenly-and-earth throw (Tian Di Tou ge, tenchinage), wherein tori sweeps one hand low (“earth”) and another high (“heaven”) to unbalance uke, are used.

Aikido has gained popularity worldwide due to its philosophy of non-aggressive self-defense. Its founder’s ideals have been preserved by his followers, who keep aikido separate from sports in which individuals compete with each other and promote it as a method of positive character development. Today, there are aikido dojos in more than 80 countries around the world. The headquarters of Aikikai is located in Tokyo, Japan.