The word 'Aikido' is produced by the permutation of three characters in the Japanese language. 'Ai', which means '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 employs techniques that do not gravely harm or kill unlike different kinds of martial art. The techniques and skills being taught are solely meant to distract attention or immobilize people. This is possibly the reason why most people would rather Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In fact, Aikido developer, Morihei Ueshiba, is of the conviction that to control anger without causing any injury is the art of peace.
Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies 'Great Teacher', developed Aikido from the principles 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 finally distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can strike while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.
As a small child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father's attackers. In due course, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied many of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is possibly the explanation why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary kind of martial art.
Yet despite his knowledge, he remained unhappy. He sensed that there was still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect called Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi trained him to take care of his spiritual development. He then pooled his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the various martial arts and Aikido was formed.
His involvement with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also smoothed the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to found Aikido and even pass on his teachings to students, who have, in turn, developed their own methods and movement in Aikido.
Aikido is a blend of the diverse styles of jujitsu as well as some of the methods of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To get an general idea, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the movements 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 techniques to students who were studying judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu spokesperson. 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. - 29957
Aikido employs techniques that do not gravely harm or kill unlike different kinds of martial art. The techniques and skills being taught are solely meant to distract attention or immobilize people. This is possibly the reason why most people would rather Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In fact, Aikido developer, Morihei Ueshiba, is of the conviction that to control anger without causing any injury is the art of peace.
Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies 'Great Teacher', developed Aikido from the principles 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 finally distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can strike while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.
As a small child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father's attackers. In due course, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied many of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is possibly the explanation why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary kind of martial art.
Yet despite his knowledge, he remained unhappy. He sensed that there was still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect called Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi trained him to take care of his spiritual development. He then pooled his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the various martial arts and Aikido was formed.
His involvement with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also smoothed the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to found Aikido and even pass on his teachings to students, who have, in turn, developed their own methods and movement in Aikido.
Aikido is a blend of the diverse styles of jujitsu as well as some of the methods of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To get an general idea, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the movements 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 techniques to students who were studying judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu spokesperson. 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. - 29957
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