What is Aikido
by Theresia
Aikido is a Japanese martial art where you blend the energy of an attack to redirect the force away, or towards the attacker. The principles, techniques and movements of Aikido involve keeping focused, relaxed, being calm and centred, while harmonising with the energy of an attack, and leading it to a peaceful resolution.
It is a minimalist martial art that focuses on making techniques effective while using little physical effort.
The term “Aikido” (pronounced” eye” – “key” – “doe”) is written using three Japanese characters or kanji :
合 “ai” – harmony
気 “ki” – spirit, mind
道 “do” – the Way.
Thus, Aikido is “the Way of Harmony with the spirit/mind”
No Fighting.
Aikido has no intention to ‘fight’, because fighting causes injuries to both parties – the tori and uke. (Tori is the person who completes the technique against the training partner, called uke).
Aikido has no tournaments or competitions. Instead, all Aikido techniques are learned cooperatively at the level of each student’s ability.
Aikido is not about conquering an opponent, but more about conquering our own limitations, fears and weaknesses. The goal of Aikido is not the defeat of others, but the defeat of the negative characteristics our own mind and its functioning. The principles of Aikido can be applied effectively as a martial art, and in how we live our day-to-day lives.
Understanding ‘Ki’ (energy)
The Aikido helps to understand the concept of ‘Ki’ or energy. While understanding (and somehow realising) your own ‘ki’ it helps one realize the ‘ki’ and intention of the attacker. It helps us to understand the ‘energy of the attack and blending it away from oneself or towards the attacker, thus harmonizing the conflict.
Flowing form of non-violent self-defence.
It is a dynamic and flowing form of non-violent self-defence. Aikido becomes a form of moving meditation because it helps us to remain focus and in the present moment. The techniques exercise both the mind and the physical body. With harmony, the mind and the body work together, creating a flow.
Response, not react.
Aikido style of martial art is never meant to hurt; it’s a self-defence. The self-defence art that response to an attack, instead of becoming source of attack.
