Aikido's Founder and His Vision
Aikido was created by the life work and spiritual quest of Morihei Ueshiba, often referred to as O'Sensei (great teacher).
O'Sensei was a Japanese martial artist of great renown. He traveled the
length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many
arts. Deeply interested in spiritual thought, he devoted his life to
uniting his considerable knowledge of martial arts with his philosophy of
non-violence and cultivation of peace. Through this culmination of his
life's work he created what he called a true budo, or creative martial way: Aikido.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a traditionally taught Japanese martial art. It is a system of training the mental and physical attitudes of the body and mind to reach a state of balance, centeredness, and mental calmness. This can be applied both in one's day to day activities and in situations of extraordinary stress. Ultimately,
aikido can be used by the practitioner as a way to foster a spirit of harmony within one's self, with one's environment, and with one's fellow man.
|
 |
The physical techniques of
aikido are circular in nature and rely not on strength, but on a redirection of power through an application of spiral movement and control of timing and distance. In the midst of chaos and stress,
aikido teaches one to maintain balance, centeredness, and a calm state of mind. Its ultimate goal is to resolve conflict without harm to any parties involved.
|
The Path of Aiki
A few ways in which the word "aikido" can be translated is "the way of blending with energy" or "the path of harmony with the spirit." Since they cover complex ideas and concepts, the characters that make up the Japanese language have multiple meanings and interpretations when translated. This is true for the translations and descriptions of
aikido. Each of these meanings or descriptions, while not conveying the whole truth, have validity and can help to convey a picture of what
aikido is. Ultimately, aikido must be experienced to be truly appreciated. "Though
aikido is a highly effective martial art developed through years of study by the founder, it offers much more than the ability to defend oneself. By the application of the physical principles of
aikido we develop a deeper understanding of our hearts and minds. Aikido training is to challenge yourself, not others. Through training you can develop confidence by facing your fears. Out of this confidence a negative fighting spirit can be transformed to a creative spirit. The stress and pressure of serious
aikido practice brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study. "
-Mitsugi Saotome
Shihan