What is Aikido?

Aikido as Self-Defense

Let’s be frank. Many folks are interested in martial arts because we want to be able to defend ourselves when push comes to shove. “You can badmouth about my mother and my sister. But you touch me, and you’re dead meat!” Haven’t we heard similar line from Steven Segal’s late night movies? It’s nothing wrong to take up martial arts because you want to know how to “kick ass.” Self-defense is considered an applied Aikido, just as computer science is an application of theoretical mathematics. And self-defense is an important aspect of martial arts, Aikido included. But, please treat it as an application. There are things far more important and significant in life than waiting for a moment that may never come, unless you are looking for one.

Aikido as Spiritual Way

All martial arts have one common technical purpose: to inflict maximum damage. Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, was excelled in various martial skills. Yet, in the end, his experience led to the formation of Aikido as the way of harmony and reconciliation.

Aikido in a Nutshell

• Japanese martial art with its roots in sword movement from feudal days and jiu-jitsu fighting art.
• Modern day Aikido is a global phenomenon practiced throughout the world. You are bound to find a place to train (dojo) in every state and a remotest place in the world.
• Founder Morihei Ueshiba.
• Styles vary depending on historical association of the disciples with the Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Very often, the founder is called “O-Sensei.” It simply means the great master in Japanese.

Confusion about Aikido

Depending on whom you ask about Aikido, expect varied answers. Imagine responses from people who are blindfolded and asked to touch a mysterious animal called elephant. Aikido is this elephant. Depending on where you touch, your experience will differ from your neighbors as wide as the elephant itself. Some says Aikido is martial arts. Others say it is a study in spirituality, non-violence, conflict resolution, dynamic meditation, etc. etc.
Each is correct, because Aikido is all of above.

So, Aikido is all things to all people? Sounds like a convenient “come on” in Sunday newspaper insert? Truth is, Aikido is a martial art. And people bring in their personal reasons for pursuing this art. Your reason may be self-defense, bodywork, dynamic mediation, or just to work out and feel better. I personally like the last reason best.

Why study Aikido?

Here in New York City, I encountered hungry up-and-coming actors who wanted to learn martial postures, a dancer to incorporate rolling and falling in her choreography, shiatsu massage trainee for centering and ki energy. These are the folks who knew what they wanted. But majority of the beginners is drawn to Aikido because of a vague fascination to martial arts. Whether you are an experienced in other martial artist or a complete novice, you have the potential as big as you want it to be when you come in with a clean sheet of paper, That is, an open mind.