About Aikido

What is Aikido?

Aikido was the brainchild of Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). He developed it as a result of a life long study of various schools of Ju-Jutsu, Swordsmanship and Spear fighting Arts. The techniques are based on harmonising with an attacker’s movements and employ throws, joint locks and restraining holds.

Aikido, literally ‘way of harmonising the spirit’, teaches one-on-one and multiple attack defence. It incorporates knife taking, sword and stick taking, and even defence from a seated position. Differences in size, weight, strength or age are negated as the student learns to use their inner energy or Ki, as it is known in Japanese. Weapon training with a wooden sword (Bokken) and stick (Jo) are practised to realise the heritage of the Art and to improve body movement.

It should be emphasised that Aikido is Budo, literally martial way. Each technique is practised with total commitment, as if your life depended on its success, for only in this way is it possible to engender the true spirit of Budo. This is not to say that training has to be hard or violent; it is possible to be physical softly and still generate the power to control a situation.

Whilst there are sport derivatives of the Art (Tomiki or Sport Aikido) where rubber knives are used and practitioners actually compete to score points, the Founder was firmly opposed to competition in the traditional Art.

Many of the Founder’s original students who still teach today have totally different styles. They all sat around the feet of the master and yet, through differences in build and temperament, came away with a different and individual interpretation of what they had been taught. This is reflected in the way these men teach today and is also the reason why different people are attracted to them.

Benefits of Training

Many people begin Aikido to get physically fit, to learn self defence, to study something of Japanese culture, and to glean enjoyment in the process. It is up to the individual to decide upon which facet of the Art to concentrate.

In addition to physical development in terms of strength, stamina and suppleness, the student learns to tap their innate internal powers to generate a strength far greater than muscular power and use it at will. The student also finds mental stimulation knowing they are practising movements the origins of which date back to Japan’s feudal era.

Breathing techniques are learnt to promote mind and body co-ordination and the student also comes into contact with other Japanese practices such as Shiatsu (Finger therapy) which is a form of total body massage, and Iaido (Japanese sword drawing). Both of these disciplines are complimentary to the study of Aikido and are consequently taught in tandem.

The Training Programme

The grading system in Aikido consists of Kyu (Student) grades, 6th – 1st Kyu, after which the student becomes eligible for 1st Dan (1st Degree Black Belt) then 2nd, 3rd, etc. These gradings are spaced apart with a minimum gap of 3 months and are conducted based on a national grading syllabus of which every new student receives a copy.

There are no coloured belts in the Traditional Art, except for children. This is in accordance with directives from the Hombu (headquarters) in Japan. Because there are no weight or strength limitations, it is possible for men, women and children to train together although certain techniques are eliminated from children’s practise for health reasons.

At the beginning the student learns how to fall properly and how to absorb the effects of techniques so that they can be performed with total commitment. Next comes free standing solo body movements where the student learns about shifting weight, balance etc., and finally, the techniques themselves which are taught commensurate with the student’s advancement.

Discipline and Etiquette

Aikido in common with other traditional Martial Arts has strict codes of discipline and etiquette. This is necessary to ensure that the original spirit and appropriate attitude toward the Art is transmitted, and that respect for the Dojo and each other is observed. A slapdash or casual attitude towards training can result in severe injury or even death.

Part of the fascination for Aikido enthusiasts regarding etiquette is the knowledge that the traditions observed in the Dojo have their roots in Samurai customs from Japan’s feudal era where negligence of certain customs and practice would result in drawn swords and a fight to the death. Without the transmission of such ideals the Art of Aikido is nothing more than an elaborate system of exercise that is beneficial physically but little else. Further more, because the student is taught the meaning of humility in the Dojo, it is quite common to have students from all walks of life training together – there is no room for ego.

Why use Japanese Terminology?

As Aikido is a Japanese Art it makes sense to familiarise ourselves with the appropriate terminology used in the Dojo without recourse to learning the entire Japanese language. The terminology is learnt not least out of respect to the Art itself but also to enable a student to practice anywhere in the world and to be able to understand what is going on regardless of the mother tongue of that country.

There are many instances where, because of fundamental differences between oriental and occidental thinking, there are no direct translations possible. Consequently misinterpretations can occur if only English terms are used, resulting, in time, of a gradual watering down of our understanding of the Art. It is essential to keep alive the traditions of Aikido, for if we do not, we lose a great part of what attracts many people to not just Aikido but other Martial Arts as well.