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General
Principles of Aikido
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| Professor Morihei Ueshiba |
Aikido is much more than a physical contest between
two opponents or a means of imposing one's will or inflicting damage
upon another. We learn that Aikido is essentially an avenue through
which we can achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquility and the
deepest self-confidence through personal development, training the
body, mind and spirit. What is offered by the Dojo (school) is not
a "package course," but a general program for lifelong progress.
Factors such as age, physical condition, natural ability to learn
the Aikido movements, an open attitude, and diligence in practice,
all affect one's progress.
The position of teacher (Sensei), is one of honor. Your Sensei is
not just teaching techniques, but is handing down the teachings of
the Founder. He should be treated with the proper respect at all times.
In every class there are people of different sexes, ages, and physical
abilities. Senior students (both in rank and in age) should be dealt
with respectfully and modestly. Never put yourself above a senior
student.
Aikido is founded on a philosophy of harmony. There should never be
any fighting or competition in the training area. Nor is training
a time to display your strength and flaunt your ego. Train always
in a spirit of cooperation and modesty.
Professor Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
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Congrats to all who tested this past week
at Northeast Aikikai. Photos soon. |
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Aikido
is a relatively new self-defense art, founded in Japan by Professor
Morihei Ueshiba. As a youth Ueshiba Sensei, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher)
as he was called, applied himself to many arduous years of training
in "budo," or the Japanese martial arts. He mastered Jiu-Jitsu,
the use of the spear, the staff, and enjoyed a reputation as unbeatable
with the sword, O-Sensei also delved deeply into religion, studying
Zen Buddhism and the Shinto religion. Although he became very strong
and won many matches, he was troubled with the idea that winning at
someone else's expense was not really winning. He came to realize
that true self defense is not winning over others, ... but winning
over the discord within yourself. Though he was an acknowledged master,
he began to practice movements, exploring them deeply, searching mentally,
and sitting for long hours in meditation. As a result, Aikido was
born as a way to divert harm to one's self while not inflicting permanent
injury on an aggressor. As Aikido developed, it became clear that
it was not only an effective means of self defense, but truly a way
to understand earthly life through the study of the energy flow of
the universe.
The Meaning of the Word "Aikido"
The word "Aikido" in Japanese is made up of three characters,
or kanji. The first and most important is "AI," which means
"to meet, to come together, to harmonize." The second kanji
is "KI," which means "energy, spirit, mind." In
the larger context, "KI" means "the spirit of the Universe,"
and not just the spirit of mere human beings. The third and last character
is "DO," which means "the way," as in Ken-do,
or Ju-do, to signify that the study of Aikido does not involve merely
self-defense techniques, but includes positive character-building
ideals which a person can incorporate into his life.
These three Japanese kanji, "AI-KI-DO," therefore, mean,
"The way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe."
Philosophy of Aikido
The most unusual aspect of Aikido is that, although it is primarily
a self-defense art, it takes as the basis of its philosophy the idea
of being in harmony with your opponent rather than being in conflilct
with him. The ideal of Aikido is not to think of defeating your enemy,
but rather, to be in harmony with him, spiritually and physically.
Aikido is not merely an art of self-defense, however -- into its techniques
are woven elements of philosophy, psychology, and dynamics. As you
learn the various arts, you will at the same time train your mind,
improve your health and develop self-confidence. Aikido training is
excellent for the cardiovascular system. The mental training helps
to reduce and control the stress of every day life. Through the physical
practice of the self-defense techniques, the student of Aikido comes
to appreciate and understand the mental or spiritual aspects of Aikido.
During practice sessions, partners work out in harmony with each other
learning when and how to yield, how to lead and guide another person's
movements to control an opponent through non-resistive techniques.
Aikido Movements and Techniques
The movements of Aikido emphasize a flowing flexibility and the maintaining
of a stable balance. The aim of the Aikidoist is to be in complete
control of his mind and body, to maintain a calm, alert posture. The
continuous and flexible motion which originates in the hips and waist
is a graceful spherical motion. Much of the beauty of the Aikido movements
derives from the coordinated motion of the entire body, with each
movement of a part of the body contributing to the integrated sequence
of movements.
Most of the joint techniques, such as those applied to the wrist or
elbow, flex the joints in the direction of natural bending. They are
in harmony with natural flexing, and although such techniques are
painful and effective if resisted against, they result in no permanent
damage to the joint.
Ranking
As in other Japanese martial arts, Aikido utilizes the "kyu"
and "dan" system of ranking. Generally, the Aikidoist begins
with 5th "kyu" (10th kyu for children), and improves the
student's standing upward through the "kyu" ranks until
she reaches 1-kyu. After passing the black belt test the student is
awarded the rank of "sho-dan" (first degree black belt),
and thereafter the student works up through the "dan" ranks.
Periodic ranking tests are held semi-annually. Because of the nature
of the Aikido philosophy, which promotes harmony and non-conflict,
tournaments ("shiai") in Aikido are non-existent, and instead
well-executed performance of the arts becomes the criteria for promotion.
In addition, consideration is given to the Aikidoist's character and
attitude, and his seriousness and diligence in practice.
A common question is "How long will it take for me to get a black
belt?" It is, of course, impossible to predict accurately when
a person at the outset of his Aikido training will reach the lowest
black belt level of "sho-dan", since what is offered by
the dojo (school) is not a "package course," but a general
program for lifelong progress. Factors such as age, physical condition,
natural ability to learn the Aikido movements, an open attitude, and
diligence in practice - all affect one's progress. However, it is
common to reach sho-dan status in from 4 to 7 years. Click here to
find out Northeast Aikikai's Test Requirements.
Aikido and Other Martial Arts
How does Aikido compare with other martial arts? This question is
best answered by understanding that Aikido is among other things,
a pure art form. Like music or sculpture - each art form is beautiful
in its own right, and each draws followers because of its particular
beauty. The martial arts are similar; each has its own beauty and
appeals to a different kind of person. It is suggested that if you
are interested in studying the martial arts you first visit as many
of the different arts as possible, selecting the one that best suits
you.
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