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| Morihei Ueshiba ( O' Sensei ) |
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WHAT IS AIKIDO? The name Aikido is composed of three Japanese words: "ai," meaning harmony; "ki," spirit or energy; and "do," the path, the system or the way. Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. Aikido is a form of self defense founded in Japan around the 1920's, and brought to the United States in the early 1960's. Aikido is different from other forms of self defense in that the motions are circular rather than linear. An attack is not met with force against force. Rather, the force of the attack is met with a blending motion, and then returned upon the attacker. Inner strength is more important than physical strength in the practice of Aikido.
Aikido was founded by a Japanese martial artist named Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who is referred to as O'Sensei ("Great Teacher"). O'Sensei was a master of many martial arts and a champion fighter. He was also a man of deep religious convictions. He believed that the basic principles of the universe are harmony and love. He also believed that these principles can be realized through the martial arts. Aikido was O'Sensei's answer to the conflict between the brutal life of a warrior and the pacifist philosophy of a religious man After seeing Aikido, many people question whether or not it "really works." Understanding a part of Asian culture may clear up this question.
Historically, if someone in Asia developed a new style of martial art they needed to be prepared to "walk their talk." That is, they needed to be able to physically back up their claims. A master of a style had to be prepared to fight any challengers. Sometimes these challenges ended in the death of one or both of the fighters.
O'Sensei developed a "martial art of love," at which many people initially laughed. O'Sensei was challenged by a variety of marital arts experts, including karate, judo, even sumo wrestlers. O'Sensei was never defeated, and he practiced until his death at age 86.
Aikido is sometimes referred to as the "gentle art," or the "non-violent art." These phrases refer much more to the character of the Aikido practitioners than the efficacy of the techniques. Aikido techniques can be used to safely restrain someone with minimal injury or they can be quite lethal. With regard to the practitioners, most Aikido students are very friendly and warm. Aikido has a non-aggressive philosophy. There are no contests in Aikido. Aikido practitioners do not fight or spar against opponents in order to advance in rank. Instead, they work with partners who help us refine our techniques.
People of a wide range of ages, physical conditions and abilities practice Aikido. While perfecting the principles of Aikido can take a lifetime, learning to defend oneself with Aikido techniques takes surprisingly little time. The people most surprised by this are often the people who have been forced to defend themselves after only a few weeks of class. They did not realize their ability because they expected to spend time in class just learning how to kick, punch and scream in order to defend themselves.
The principles of Aikido do not depend on such things and usually strike a beginning student as ineffective, until used in a real life situation. To conclude, there is an oft-told Zen story that bears retelling. Once upon a time, a learned scholar went to see a Zen master to inquire about Zen. The scholar began to tell the Zen master all the knowledge he had learned about Zen. The scholar spoke about books he had read and lectures he had attended. During this discourse, the Zen master served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and continued to pour. The tea ran over the edges of the cup. "Stop!" cried the scholar, "The cup is full! No more tea will go in!" The Zen master replied, "Like this cup, you are full of your own ideas and expectations. How can I teach you unless you first empty your cup?" This proverb is equally applicable for those who wish to practice Aikido.
Quotation from the Master: “The art of peace is medicine for a sick world. There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emulate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.” The Art of Peace
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