HISTORY OF AIKIDO
A pseudo knife is drawn, the crowd retreats and two players face each other. A sudden cry of “hajime” (start !) breaks the silence. A formal bow, a flurry of action and after about three minutes both players are spent and sweating.
This is sport Aikido, the ancient art of self-defense which is gaining popularity around the world as a competitive sport.
“Superficially”, Aikido resembles Judo and Karate – the uniform, the dojo (practice hall), and the systems of grading, as well as certain fundamentals such as balance, movement, and relaxation, are similar. But, in fact, Aikido is quite different, and should not be confused with either. Aikido derives its techniques from budo, which is a combination of many martial arts.
Aikido - a martial way, is centered around control of yourself and your opponent through blended movements and manipulations of physical
balance and martial techniques applied to the limbs (wrist, elbow, etc).
Aikido was developed in the last century as an art of self-defense and spiritual training. Unlike some martial arts, Aikido requires no particular advantage in age, size, strength, or speed in order to perform well.
Training involves using throws and control techniques with pressure points and joint locking. Physical strength is not required as the power for a throw comes from the momentum of the attack. This makes Aikido ideal for men, women, and children. (From 7 years upwards)
Regular training in Aikido will develop discipline for the body and the mind. While fitness, agility, co-ordination and confidence will also develop.
The origins of Aikido stem from the same Japanese methods of sword fighting and unarmed combat of the 12th and 13th centuries as do Kendo and Judo.
Modern Aikido was brought to its peak by the late Professor Morihei Ueshiba who taught that being passive is the best defence and that it is necessary to blend with an opponent, entering his/her aggressive energy before turning it against him/her.
Aikido was further rationalised by Professor Kenji Tomiki by adding the competition aspect to the sport. He developed a highly effective and practical method of training, which is still employed today.
The training method for Shodokan or as it was known as Tomiki or Sport Aikido is founded on the practice of Kata (set forms of practice). Training involves using throws and control techniques with pressure points and joint locks. Physical strength is not required as the power for a technique comes from the momentum of the attack. This makes Aikido ideal for self-defence for men, women and children. The movements of Aikido are circular and flowing. They are designed on the principles of nature and move in circles and spirals following paths of KI.
Aikido is taught with the individual in mind, as different aspects of training will appeal to different people. A commitment to training will develop discipline for the body and the mind. Regular training will also improve fitness, good posture, concentration, co-ordination and confidence.
Proficient exponents of Aikido practice perfecting the many and varied techniques used which includes timing and developing a relaxed but sharp attitude which leads to better control.
Total control means having the option of not harming the opponent or in a more serious situation, taking whatever measures are required for your safety (self-defence).
