What is Aikido?

"AIKIDO"

The name Aikido comes from the Japanese words:

"Ai": harmony

"Ki": vital energy

"Do": way,

and it can be translated as "a way for the harmony of vital energies".

ART OF AIKIDO

The art of Aikido is based on the notion of blending with one's opponent, in order to solve a conflict by the guiding of different energies instead of their oppositions. It is a martial art with a peaceful orientation.

Aikido is quite young as an art, and its techniques are derived from older Japanese martial arts, either bare-handed or with weapons, and then "re-thought" in a global form of harmony of energies.

Aikido in itself is a bare-handed art, although techniques with sword (ken) or stick (jo) are also taught. Some teachers will use these weapon techniques to improve the bare-handed techniques (for learning a better position, moving, etc...), and other teachers will keep these weapon techniques for advanced Aikidokas.

In our system, we practice weapons (under supervision of Lawrence Warry sensei, 4th dan Aikikai) simultaneously with bare-handed techniques.

Practically, on the tatami, all techniques start with Uke (the attacking one) attacking Tori (the attacked one, performing the Aikido technique). The attack in itself will be an attempt from Uke to hold (wrist, shoulder, neck, behind...) or to hit (belly, face, side of the face...), and Tori will then have to turn this attack into his advantage, the final stage being a control of Uke.

There are few basic attacks, few basic techniques, but many ways to perform them; the combination of all these elements leads to a high number of possibilities, all linked by the same idea - stopping without opposition of energies, controlling without loss of the flow.

The art of Aikido lies within a circle: the continuous flow of energies.

AIMS

Through the martial practice, the art of Aikido aims at improving relationships between beings by promoting the harmonious development of each of us.

For this purpose, mutual valorisation is the key, and not self-affirmation.

That is also the reason why there is no competition in this discipline.

HISTORY

The art of Aikido was founded by Ueshiba Morihei, also known as "O'Sensei" (great master).

Ueshiba Morihei was born on December 14th, 1883, in Tanabe, Japan. He was the son of Ueshiba Yoroku, a prosperous landlord, coming from a family of vigorous Samurai.

The whole area of Kumano is well known in Japan for its important Shinto sanctuaries. It gave Morihei a strong attraction for religion since his very early years, attraction that would lead him into his quest for the development of Aikido.

Being a fragile child, and also to compensate for his interest in religion, Morihei's parents encouraged him in turning to physical activities such as Sumo and swimming.

Later on, when he turned 20, Morihei went to Tokyo and studied old techniques of Jiu-Jitsu (Kito school, Tozawa Sensei). He also trained in the same time in Ken-Jutsu (sword fighting - Shinkage Ryu school).

Still facing health problems, Ueshiba Morihei finally decided to strengthen his body, and went to Sakai in order to study the sword art (Yagyu school, Nakai Sensei).

In 1903, Morihei enlisted in the army, where his skills in Juken-Jutsu (rifle-knife fighting) and other physical exercices were noted.

In February 1915, while traveling, Morihei met Sokaku Takeda, great master of the Daito Ryu school, who decided to teach him some secret techniques. Morihei then decided to open a dojo and to invite Sokaku Takeda, building a house for him and taking complete care of him.

In November 1919, Morihei met Wanisaburo Deguchi, great mystical master, leader of the order Omote-Kyo. In 1920, Morihei decided to settle in Ayabe, in the temple of the Omote-Kyo.

On February 13th, 1924, Onisaburo Deguchi, Ueshiba Morihei, and a small group of other disciples left Japan for Mongolia, theater of fights between Japanese and Chinese armies. The group wanted to create there a Kingdom of Peace, but they failed in this purpose and ended up prisoners of the Chinese armies for months.

Finally back to Japan, Morihei Ueshiba went on with his studies of Budo (the Way of War). At this moment of his life, O'Sensei understood that the real Budo was not to win over an opponent by force, but to protect peace in this world, accepting and promoting the opening of all beings.

All these encounters, technical experiences and philosophical experiences led to the creation of Aikido in 1925. Since 1926, Morihei's name started to be known, and he would be visited by well-known Budokas and leaders from the political or military world. In 1931, Ueshiba Morihei settled in Wakamatsu-Cho, Tokyo, where he built a new dojo (Kobukan).

During the war years, Morihei moved away from Tokyo, in Iwama. In 1946, due to the American prohibition of all martial arts, the Dojo was closed, until 1948, when it changed its name to Aikikai (to enhance the quest and development part of the art). The art of Aikido was the first martial art to be authorized after the war, because of its pacific aim.

Since that period, the number of students didn't stop growing, with the creation of dojos all over the world. The period of time after the war also defines the "modern form" of Aikido.

On April 26th, 1969, Ueshiba Morihei passed away, leaving the control of the Aikikai federation to his son, Ueshiba Kisshomaru, and now to his grand-son, "Doshu" Moriteru Ueshiba.

Sources: "Aikido Guide", FFAAA - Fédération Française d'Aikido, Aikibudo & Affinitaires; "Invincible Warrior", John Stevens, Shambahala.