Aikido – The Way of Harmony With Universal Forces and Principles

aikido

Aikido is a martial art that emphasizes harmony and blending with an opponent rather than using force against strength. In addition to its physical techniques, aikido incorporates spiritual and philosophical elements that create a complete system of training for self-discovery and personal development.

The founder of aikido was Morihei Ueshiba (known as O Sensei). He began his martial arts training in the late 1800s, studying Daito Ryu jujitsu and sword and spear techniques. After years of intensive training, he shifted his focus from destruction to the resolution of conflict through cooperation and harmony. He referred to this new path as Aikido, the Way of Harmony with Universal Forces and Principles.

Practice of Aikido includes throwing and joint manipulation techniques. Students train with partners of varying sizes, strengths and skill levels to develop flexibility and adaptability. Aikido also integrates the use of traditional Japanese weapons like bokken (wooden sword), tanto (knife) and jo (staff). Training with these tools enhances understanding of distance, timing and precision in technique execution.

Aikido is not a sport. Unlike boxing, which focuses on injuring an opponent to the point of collapse or incapacitation, aikido practitioners seek to control an attacker without injury through joint manipulation and submission techniques. The uke or attacker is guided to a safe position by the tori or practitioner through the use of techniques such as irimi-nage (entering throw), tenchinage (heaven and earth throw) and koshinage (hip throw). This dynamic interaction between uke and tori fosters a learning environment that supports mutual growth.