The Beginnings of Aikido
The name aikido is formed by the combination of three
characters in the Japanese language. Ai, which means joining; ki, which
means spirit and do, which means way. These three words actually summarize
the essence of aikido as a form of martial art-- the joining of the spirit
to find the way. It was only in the period from 1930s to the 40s that the
name aikido was officially accepted as the name of the martial arts form.
Aikido uses techniques that do not damage or kill unlike other forms of
martial arts. The movements and skills being taught are just meant to divert
attention or immobilize people. This is perhaps the reason why most people
prefer aikido, because of it's focus on peace and harmony as opposed to
aggression and conflict. In fact, aikido developer Morihei Ueshiba believes
that to control aggression without causing any injury is the art of peace.
Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which means Great Teacher, created
aikido from the principles of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He incorporated the
techniques of the yari, the spear; the juken, which is a bayonet; and the jo,
which is a short quarterstaff). But what ultimately separates aikido from
other forms of martial arts is the fact that its practitioners can attack
while empty-handed. Practitioners need no weapons for protection.
As a young child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This
is because of his vow to avenge his father's death. Eventually, his studies
and activities brought him to the discipline of the different martial arts.
He studied all. He even has certificates, fencing, fighting with spears,
etc. He has learned it all. This is perhaps the reason why aikido is such a
diverse and multi-disciplinary form of martial arts.
Yet despite his know how, he remains dissatisfied. He felt that there is
still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He
studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchiof the sect Omoto-kyo in
Ayabe. Deguchiof taught him to take care of his spiritual growth. He then
combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial
arts. Aikido was born.
His association with this charismatic spiritual leader Deguchiof 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 transferred the teachings to students, who have in turn developed
their own styles of movement in aikido.
Aikido is a combination of the different styles of jujitsu as well as some
of the techniques of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba is an
expert. To get an overall picture, aikido combines the joint locks and
throws techniques of jujitsu and the movements of the body when fighting
with sword 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
are learning judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official
Aikikai Honbu representative. Then in 1953, Kenji Tomiki toured through 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 United Kingdom two years
after and in 1965, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, aikido has
centers all over the world.
http://www.theartofaikido.com
About the Author
Here's How To Learn One Of The Oldest And Most Deadly Juijitsu Techniques Ever Devised! http://www.juijitsutechnique.com
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