WHAT IT AIKIDO.
Aikido is a discipline and an educational process for training the mind, body, and spirit. Physical technique is not the true object, but a tool for personal refinement and spiritual development. Each person is bound by his or her physical capabilities, but the potential for unlimited resources lies within the inner person. (See the recommended books and example videos in the links section for an better overview of Aikido)
The martial art of Aikido is the creation of Morihei Ueshiba, commonly known as O’Sensei (great teacher). O Sensei understood that the real battle of life is to overcome the qualities of pettiness, ambition and selfishness that keep our full potential from blossoming. He came to believe that the martial arts were to be used to purge one’s character of these undesirable traits and ultimately gain control of our selves both physically and spiritually. Therein would lie true strength. This is the reason that O’ Sensei has always stated that “True victory is victory over yourself”
An Aikido dojo is a place where the teachings of Master Morihei Ueshiba (“O-Sensei”) are studied. It is not the place for the display of one’s ego, but a place for uplifting and cleansing one’s body, mind, and spirit. The correct attitude of respect, sincerity, and modesty, and the proper atmosphere are essential to the learning process; and as Aikido is also a martial art, essential to the safety of each individual. It is based on principles of blending with your attacker and neutralizing aggression. Aikido is derived from traditional martial arts like Jujutsu (free-hand techniques) and Kenjutsu (sword techniques).
The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today’s techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form – it is the study of the spirit.
Unlike most martial arts Aikido does not primarily rely on kicking and punching nor does it seeks to meet force with force. Often using evasion techniques, throws, and submission moves, the aim of Aikido is to neutralize conflict by using the opponent’s energy, movements, and intentions by way of connecting, redirection, and blending. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido is non-competitive. Training is cooperative. Students work to develop good character, strength, softness and adaptability and evolve the creative side of the mind.
O Sensei brought Japanese bujutsu (the traditional Japanese warrior arts) into the 20th century. These revolutionary teachers taught the warrior principles of the samurai while adding to them a social dimension that emphasized peaceful resolution of conflict and living in harmony with others. Today these arts are collectively referred to as Budō (武道), or Japanese martial ways, emphasizing their focus on individual self-development, rather than just military application and fighting.
True Victory is Victory over oneself