Aikido Founder: Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei

Aikido (pronounced, "eye-key-doe") is a relatively new martial art. It officially took its name around 1945 by founder Morihei Ueshiba, referred to as "O Sensei" or great teacher. Ueshiba sensei spent the majority of his lifetime (1886 —1969) studying various traditional Japanese martial arts, collectively referred to as bujutsu, or warrior arts. These traditions most notably included various styles of: kenjutsu (sword fencing), jojutsu (wooden staff arts), yarijutsu (spear arts) and jujutsu (grappling arts). It was O Sensei's training in a particular style of jujutsu known as Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu, that would later comprise the majority of aikido's technical repertoire.

Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu

Daito-ryu jujutsu emphasized the concept of "aiki" in martial confrontations. This concept is comprised of two distinctive ideas. The kanji for "ai" (合) represents a pot with a lid on it. Hence, "ai" symbolizes to two things fitting together in a harmonious manner. Second, the kanji for "ki" (気) represents a boiling pot filled with rice. We take from this that "ki" symbolizes energy or the sustaining of life.

In his early years, the Founder taught that through bujutsu training a person could learn to move in a natural accord with the universal laws of nature, and therefore be ultimately unbeatable in battle. However, as O Sensei continued to train and develop over his lifetime, his teaching of the martial arts gradually began to focus on self-development and spiritual cultivation. Training of his new "martial way" (differentiated by the use of the "do" at the end of the art rather than "jutsu"; similarly to Ju-do, Karate-do, etc.) would later come to be known as the "way of aiki", or aikido (合気道).

Although aikido has its roots in traditional martial arts, modern day life relies less on combat skills and more on social, moral and people skills. The Founder's ultimate vision was for all people to respect and protect one another, thus eliminating the need for conflict, war, victory or defeat. It is with this goal in mind that we continue modern day aikido training in the dojo.

Aikido Training

Aikido training marks a departure from other martial arts in that students constantly train to develop awareness, harmony, relaxation under pressure, and connection with their partners using aiki. There are no competitions, no winners, and no losers in class. An attitude of mutual respect and camaraderie is developed, as students work together to develop each other's skill at an individual pace. Beginners are the responsibility of advanced students and new students are given the responsibility to respect and learn from their seniors. In this way, aikido fosters a dependent and mutually respectful atmosphere that teaches us to positively deal and overcome conflict situations, rather than merely practicing to become better at them.

Finally, the practical benefits of aikido training are:

• Increased self-awareness
• Improved flexibility
• Stress reduction and relaxation
• A great cardiovascular workout, and the
• Development of Body-Mind-Spirit.

All that's required to try a class is to wear loose-fitted exercise clothing, to remove all jewelry before training, and to come willing to learn something completely different! Please contact us for any questions. We look forward to seeing you in class!