Introduction to aikido
Aikido has often been referred to as “the art of doing nothing” because of the fact that use of little force, or physical strength, is needed to neutralize an opponent; a large attacker can be effectively neutralized by a smaller opponent. Note that I put strict emphasis on the term ‘neutralize’, not ‘defeat’. For the most part, aikido is a non-combative, non-competitive, non-destructive martial art. This is fundamental in aikido philosophy.
Aikido(”ai-” meaning ‘in harmony’, “-ki-” meaning ’spirit/energy’, “-do” meaning “the way/path”) was founded in Japan sometime between the late 1930’s and the early 1940’s by Master Morihei Ueshiba. Prior to the designation ‘aikido’, it was known by other names, such as “aikibudo”, and “aikinomichi”. This martial art was practiced through the martial arts ban in Japan that followed WWII.
Along with the physical training and philosophy, the metaphysical concept of ki(life energy) is developed and applied. This concept is present in many Eastern metaphysical philosophies. In China, it is known as “chi”. In India it is known as “prana”.
The bulk of aikido techniques are derived from jujitsu, particularly the daitoryu school, since that is where Master Ueshiba received most, if not all, of his jujitsu training. Aikido footwork is derived from Japanese sword and spear fighting styles, thus the basic L-shaped(hanmi) stance, which also resembles modern European fencing footwork. The aikido techniques, which consist of throws, joint locks, and submissions, are a system of fluid, circular, dance-like movements that when applied against a circular attack, they employ the use of a concept called “blending”. Blending can be described as continuing the path of your opponent’s attack, thus utilizing the circle created by the attack to neutralize the opponent. For linear attacks, blocks and parries are most often used. Method differs from school to school, but the concepts and basic non-destructive philosophy remains the same. Originally, strikes were not part of aikido training, though there are some modern aikido schools that teach atemi(striking the vital points of the body). Weapons training is included in most aikido methods, where it be weapons defenses, which are taught early on, to staff and boken kata, which are taught at the higher levels.
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