What is Aikido?
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba, is a Japanese martial art that believes in resolving all conflicts in a peaceful manner, both internally and externally. It involves a system of throws, joint-locks, and pins as well as traditional training in weapons. Aikido is non-competitive and focuses on cooperation with a partner to defend against attacks. The founder stressed its application in everyday existence – physical confrontations are to be used as a last resort or in self-defense.
Aikido Terms Dojo Etiquette O-Sensei’s Practice Reminders Is the practice uniform required and where can I buy one? Yes, at Rio Grande Valley Aikikai a standard practice uniform (gi) is required. Aikido practice can be very rigourous and, as such, a sturdy uniform is necessary. However, during the first month of practice, a member may start by wearing loose, comfortable clothing (sweat pants and a t-shirt are okay). By the time a member signs up for the second month, he/she should be wearing a uniform. Uniforms may be purchased directly from Rio Grande Valley Aikikai (see Class Schedule/Location/Fees). If you already own a uniform, please check with us and, if it is similar to ours, it is probably okay to wear. How often should I practice? While Rio Grande Valley Aikikai encourages its members to practice as often as possible, there is no required schedule. Each member sets his/her own training schedule and may come to as many classes as he/she would like. Many beginners find that comi
The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as “the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe”. Aikido is a true budo or Martial Way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self-defense – it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei Great Teacher) to more than one million students of Aikido throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. But O-Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others. Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, he struggled with this dilemma. It was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, Ueshiba’s technical mastery evolved into a martial art of refinement and
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art conceived in the early part of this century by the late Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Ueshiba mastered various forms of martial arts, most notably Jujitsu (unarmed defense), Kenjitsu (sword) and Sojitsu (spear) in developing Aikido. He wanted to establish an art which was noncompetitive and less destructive than his previous training. Thus, Aikido emphasizes neither street fighting nor competitive tournaments, but neutralization rather than the defeat of an attacker. Through a synthesis of the body and mind, potentially destructive energy is redirected into movement. A class in Aikido stresses form, mutual cooperation, awareness of others and the coordination of the bodys movement while maintaining a calm state of mind. The term Aikido comes from three words: method or way (do), harmony (ai) and mental energy or spirit (ki); thus, “The Way of Spirit Harmony.” As a holistic art it becomes a conduit for the connection between the mind, body and
