Most Commented

Resources

Subscribe

  • Subscribe

The Beginnings of Aikido

Posted by Rhys Jones | October 23, 2009 .
by Rhys Jones

The term ‘Aikido’ is created by the permutation of three characters in the Japanese language. ‘Ai’, which means ‘joining’; ‘ki’, which signifies ’spirit’ and ‘do’, which which means ‘way’. These three words in fact actualy do encapsulate the essence of Aikido as a type of martial art: ‘the joining of the spirit to find the way’. It was only in the period from 1930’s to the 1940’s that the name Aikido was officially accepted as the name of this martial art variety.

Aikido utilizes techniques that do not seriously injure or kill unlike different types of martial art. The techniques and skills being taught are just intended to divert attention or stop people. This is possibly the explanation why most people would rather Aikido, due to its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and hostility. In fact, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to be in command of anger without causing any harm is the art of peace.

Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies ‘Great Teacher’, developed Aikido from the principles of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He integrated the ways of the ‘yari’, the spear; the ‘juken’, the bayonet; and the ‘jo’, which is a short quarterstaff. But what finally distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can strike while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.

As a small child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father’s attackers. In due course, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied many of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is possibly the explanation why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary kind of martial art.

Yet in spite of his skill, he remained discontented. He felt that there was still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect named Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi taught him to take care of his psychic growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts and Aikido was born.

His association with this charismatic spiritual leader Deguchi also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this association, he was able to establish Aikido and even pass on his teachings to students, who have, in turn, created their own methods and techniques in Aikido.

Aikido is a blend of the different techniques of jujitsu as well as some of the ways of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To obtain an overall picture, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the techniques of the body necessary when fighting with swords and spears.

Oriental in origin, it was brought to the West by Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France in 1951. He introduced the Aikido techniques to students who were studying judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu spokesperson. Then in 1953, Kenji Tomiki toured throughout the United States while Koichi Tohei stayed in Hawaii for a full year where he set up a dojo. Aikido then spread its influence in the United Kingdom two years after and in 1965, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, Aikido has centres all over the world.

About the Author:
If you want to learn more about Aikido, pop over to our web site now http://aikido.the-real-way.com Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Netvouz
  • description
  • ThisNext
  • MisterWong
  • Wists
  • De.lirio.us
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
  • YahooMyWeb
Posted under Uncategorized | Like this article? Subscribe to our RSS feed

Leave a Comment

If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Comments


 Powered by Max Banner Ads