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Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded and developed by Morihei Ueshiba. The name Aikido may be translated as "The Art of Harmony." The goal of someone who practices Aikido is to create harmony by peacefully and effectively neutralizing confrontations.
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Why Practice Aikido?
Aikido is a very comprehensive form of self-defense; it teaches time-tested and proven techniques against any attack. This is accomplished by using techniques for neutralizing confrontations as peacefully – yet effectively – as possible in an attempt to reconcile the reality of violence and discord through harmony and compassion.The techniques of Aikido are based on efficient movement, rather than strength. It can be practiced by all people – men and women, regardless of age, size, or strength.
Aikido is practiced by many individuals with physical challenges.Aikido can be a means of self-improvement.To learn Aikido, a student practices techniques that use joint locks, throws, and pins. These flowing, circular movements rely on redirecting and guiding an attacker’s momentum rather than meeting force directly. This allows the Aikidoka (the practitioner) to remain controlled and serene while he or she ends an attacker’s violence safely. Since it uses an opponent’s own momentum, or intent, Aikido is ideal for defending oneself against an attacker of greater size and strength.
Weapons practice is included in Aikido both as a separate set of techniques and to give the student a better understanding of empty-hand techniques. The weapons used in Aikido are a bokken, which is a wooden practice sword, and a jo, which is a wooden staff reaching from the shoulder to the ground. Aikidoka also practice disarming an opponent who holds a knife, bokken or jo.
Aikido is a martial art that is deeply grounded in a philosophy of compassion. The practice of Aikido is not about the perfection of techniques, but about learning to use these techniques to protect oneself and one’s attacker. When bringing one’s opponent back into harmony by disarming his or her violence, the Aikidoka seeks to cause a minimum of harm to the opponent, allowing for a peaceful resolution. In Aikido classes, students cooperate in order to help each other learn; there is no competition in Aikido.
Aikido is practiced by many individuals with physical challenges.Aikido can be a means of self-improvement.To learn Aikido, a student practices techniques that use joint locks, throws, and pins. These flowing, circular movements rely on redirecting and guiding an attacker’s momentum rather than meeting force directly. This allows the Aikidoka (the practitioner) to remain controlled and serene while he or she ends an attacker’s violence safely. Since it uses an opponent’s own momentum, or intent, Aikido is ideal for defending oneself against an attacker of greater size and strength.
Weapons practice is included in Aikido both as a separate set of techniques and to give the student a better understanding of empty-hand techniques. The weapons used in Aikido are a bokken, which is a wooden practice sword, and a jo, which is a wooden staff reaching from the shoulder to the ground. Aikidoka also practice disarming an opponent who holds a knife, bokken or jo.
Aikido is a martial art that is deeply grounded in a philosophy of compassion. The practice of Aikido is not about the perfection of techniques, but about learning to use these techniques to protect oneself and one’s attacker. When bringing one’s opponent back into harmony by disarming his or her violence, the Aikidoka seeks to cause a minimum of harm to the opponent, allowing for a peaceful resolution. In Aikido classes, students cooperate in order to help each other learn; there is no competition in Aikido.