Aikido.
If someone asked you about Aikido, what would you be able to tell them about it? You would probably be right in thinking that it is a martial art but did you know that Aikido is an art form that amalgamated the old and new, it was a branch of martial art that promoted reconciliation and as a combat emphasised an ability to deflect force in any form of defence?
Morihei Ueshiba is somewhat of an inspirational individual for me because it was during the 1920s and 30s that he introduced the idea of Aikido, a martial art that could blend the tough combat of self-defence with a spiritual approach. Mindfulness is such an increasingly known of and talked about subject today but if you think about it the Aikido of the day was a forerunner to the concept of understanding how significant mental well-being and balance is to the individual. Recognising how strength can come from both the mind and body was a principle that applied to Aikido and it was upon this basis that a martial art of great importance was born.
It has taken many years to establish a constitution that allows people of different faiths and beliefs to openly express their views while respecting law and order for all members of society. Aikido brought about attention and awareness of the martial arts and as it rose in popularity, the important issues of well-being and wellness of the body, mind and spirit started to infiltrate the many. Even if you make an effort to avoid conflict, there are situations where reason and words are not enough. The last resort is self-defence but how if I intend no harm to my attacker can I securely ensure my own safety? Applicable in almost any society and throughout the ages, possibly even more so today, being able to protect yourself is paramount. Aikido promotes the idea of being able to harmlessly redirect any oncoming physically based attack. It is rare to find an art form that is relevant to such an early time in history and to that of today, but in a society where there are many abused laws and there is also the novel but more frequent case where the victim could be sued by the attacker for injuries received from the victim defending themselves then such a martial art as Aikido has a part to play.
Of all the modes of self-defence I believe Aikido to be notable because of the positive message that it provides. It is a Japanese martial art specifically designed not to harm the aggressor but defend with the least effort of all types of personal attack. It also incorporates an almost superhuman self- power that can be achieved in appreciating one's surroundings and training. As once said 'Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.' - Morihei Ueshiba.
The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of pinning, throwing, joint-locking, striking and this coupled with training in traditional combat can serve to give a knowledge of how one can defend themselves and understand the application of what you know to where you go. Interestingly this positively promoting practice can be used in everyday situations and some you may not normally think of, for example imagine a bouncer whose experience of having to implement his or her physically demonstrated ability may be needed and numerous and then think of this same person being able to deflect potentially dangerous scenarios with a few non-harmful actions.
There are no attacking moves in Aikido and to see an expert demonstrate the overall range of defence is awesome. The beauty of Aikido is you do not need to increase your normal strength but learn how to harness your inner strength and channel it into control of the attacker that renders them harmless.
I will leave you with this final saying 'The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.' - Morihei Ueshiba. I think there is something of an important life lesson here that teaches a lot about the outlook we could have, without perseverance and passion we will not ever get far and with no compassion for our fellow man or woman there can be no harmony.
Morihei Ueshiba is somewhat of an inspirational individual for me because it was during the 1920s and 30s that he introduced the idea of Aikido, a martial art that could blend the tough combat of self-defence with a spiritual approach. Mindfulness is such an increasingly known of and talked about subject today but if you think about it the Aikido of the day was a forerunner to the concept of understanding how significant mental well-being and balance is to the individual. Recognising how strength can come from both the mind and body was a principle that applied to Aikido and it was upon this basis that a martial art of great importance was born.
It has taken many years to establish a constitution that allows people of different faiths and beliefs to openly express their views while respecting law and order for all members of society. Aikido brought about attention and awareness of the martial arts and as it rose in popularity, the important issues of well-being and wellness of the body, mind and spirit started to infiltrate the many. Even if you make an effort to avoid conflict, there are situations where reason and words are not enough. The last resort is self-defence but how if I intend no harm to my attacker can I securely ensure my own safety? Applicable in almost any society and throughout the ages, possibly even more so today, being able to protect yourself is paramount. Aikido promotes the idea of being able to harmlessly redirect any oncoming physically based attack. It is rare to find an art form that is relevant to such an early time in history and to that of today, but in a society where there are many abused laws and there is also the novel but more frequent case where the victim could be sued by the attacker for injuries received from the victim defending themselves then such a martial art as Aikido has a part to play.
Of all the modes of self-defence I believe Aikido to be notable because of the positive message that it provides. It is a Japanese martial art specifically designed not to harm the aggressor but defend with the least effort of all types of personal attack. It also incorporates an almost superhuman self- power that can be achieved in appreciating one's surroundings and training. As once said 'Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.' - Morihei Ueshiba.
The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of pinning, throwing, joint-locking, striking and this coupled with training in traditional combat can serve to give a knowledge of how one can defend themselves and understand the application of what you know to where you go. Interestingly this positively promoting practice can be used in everyday situations and some you may not normally think of, for example imagine a bouncer whose experience of having to implement his or her physically demonstrated ability may be needed and numerous and then think of this same person being able to deflect potentially dangerous scenarios with a few non-harmful actions.
There are no attacking moves in Aikido and to see an expert demonstrate the overall range of defence is awesome. The beauty of Aikido is you do not need to increase your normal strength but learn how to harness your inner strength and channel it into control of the attacker that renders them harmless.
I will leave you with this final saying 'The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.' - Morihei Ueshiba. I think there is something of an important life lesson here that teaches a lot about the outlook we could have, without perseverance and passion we will not ever get far and with no compassion for our fellow man or woman there can be no harmony.
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