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Aikido has often been referred to as a gentleman's fighting art. Though it is not an unfamiliar word, few outside the world of the martial arts can distinguish it from various other "methods of self-defence." Its trade mark, however, lies partly in its essential motivations. Aikido is a method of self defence which can be used against any form of attack and at its highest levels- a discipline of coordination, a "way" of harmonizing all of man's vital powers. Aikido's goal is merely to neutralize an aggression and render the attacker harmless, without causing him/her any serious injury, if at all possible. For the attacker, they will have time to reflect on what they have done wrong. Aikido has been called one of the most subtle and sophisticated of the martial arts and at its higher levels an effective discipline for the development, integration, and utilization of all man's powers, physical and mental (spiritual). To do this requires skill, but even more, it requires an ethical intention. The very word aikido, in fact contains the three elements which comprise the art : (Ai), harmony or coordination ; (Ki), spirit or energy ; (Do), the method, the "way". This particular martial art was developed by Master Morihei Uyeshiba in Japan which he referred to as "aikido" combines practical self-defence movements taken from the sword and spear fighting, jujutsu, aikijutsu and other ancient, more esoteric forms of the martial arts. The emphasis from the very first moment of practice upon a characteristic centralization of thought and action, and the extension of mental energy or ki that makes this such an intriguing art.
"Worry not about future pains and troubles for this only serves to tire the body and the spirit ; empty your mind and don't be burdened" |
