The word 'Aikido' is formed by the grouping of three characters in the Japanese language. 'Ai', which signifies 'joining'; 'ki', which means '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 formally accepted as the name of this martial art variety.
Aikido uses methods that do not seriously injure or kill not like different types of martial art. The movements and skills being taught are just intended to divert attention or immobilize attackers. This is perhaps the explanation why most people prefer Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In deed, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to have power over hostility without causing any injury is the art of peace.
Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies 'Great Teacher', created Aikido from the doctrine 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 ultimately distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can attack while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.
As a small child, he was greatly into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his promise to avenge his father's attackers. In the end, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied a few of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is maybe the explanation why Aikido is such a disparate and multi-disciplinary type of martial art.
Yet in spite of his skill, he was still dissatisfied. He sensed that there was still something lacking. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a religious guide, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect called Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi trained him to take care of his spiritual growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the various martial arts and Aikido was formed.
His relationship with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to establish Aikido and even pass on his knowledge to students, who have, in turn, developed their own methods and movement in Aikido.
Aikido is a blend of the different styles of jujitsu as well as some of the techniques of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To obtain an general 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 methods to students who were learning judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu representative. 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.
Aikido uses methods that do not seriously injure or kill not like different types of martial art. The movements and skills being taught are just intended to divert attention or immobilize attackers. This is perhaps the explanation why most people prefer Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In deed, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to have power over hostility without causing any injury is the art of peace.
Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies 'Great Teacher', created Aikido from the doctrine 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 ultimately distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can attack while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.
As a small child, he was greatly into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his promise to avenge his father's attackers. In the end, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied a few of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is maybe the explanation why Aikido is such a disparate and multi-disciplinary type of martial art.
Yet in spite of his skill, he was still dissatisfied. He sensed that there was still something lacking. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a religious guide, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect called Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi trained him to take care of his spiritual growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the various martial arts and Aikido was formed.
His relationship with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to establish Aikido and even pass on his knowledge to students, who have, in turn, developed their own methods and movement in Aikido.
Aikido is a blend of the different styles of jujitsu as well as some of the techniques of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To obtain an general 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 methods to students who were learning judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu representative. 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.
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