Discover the basics of Aikido
Aikido, the martial arts path to enlightenment
Aikido is sometimes confused with the martial art of Daito Ryu Aikijuts, but it is different in its essence. Although, Ueshiba did attribute his formation of Aikido to the way, his master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo. (The martial path to enlightenment, where the true enemy is one's own EGO!)
What is Aikido? - Despite its many perceived forms, Aikido is a Budo or spiritual martial art. Aikido reflects a refinement of the techniques that are taught in traditional martial arts that have been combined with a philosophy that calls on the power of the spirit. At its core, the student experiences a blending of the body and the mind.
One part of Aikido's philosophical beliefs is that deceptions and trickery or brute force will not prepare us to defeat our opponents. Instead, concentration that involves the spirit will be he way to strengthen us.
| Aikido can become a way of life which allows one to face any enemy - physical, emotional and mental, and especially the enemy within oneself... |
Aikido is also used as a tool to discover our true paths, so that we can develop our individuality. It teaches the practitioner to unify the body and the mind. And to pursue a balance point of harmony with the “universe” and with nature. Power and strength will come from this balance and harmony. and an inner peace...
The phrase “oneness with the universe” in Aikido is not some abstract concept that one cannot achieve. It is a concrete possiblity and well within the grasp of the stuent. In Aikido, “harmony with the universe” can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.
Aikido’s movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in Aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm center, however, is needed to create this circle. An example of a firm circle is a spinning top turning at a fast velocity. Without a firm center, the speed of movement would create an imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in motion is what is called sumikiri in the Aikido language. This stillness is achieved only by a “total clarity of mind and body.” However, this achievement is not so easily obtained, it is a warrior's task. A long period of study and practice is in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness.
Training and practice and concentration are necessary in Aikido. Results occur over time and through action. It may be easy to create a centered being when inside a martial arts gym, but the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside the dojo. The goal is to keep one’s composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances in the "real world." This is not easy unless one quiets the mind. So Aikido's aim is to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness when faced with panic situations such as danger and calamities.
One important method taught in Aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. This is the part of the body that is found two inches below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to center oneself with nature. As a person learns to control the breathing, he or she will feel extraordinary calmness that they can use in the practice of aikido and in the practice of life in general.
The author, Scott Harker, is the publisher of websites about Coin Collector's Dream, Solar Energy, Survey Taking, Humor, Wine and Hybrid Cars.
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My Articles
Fundamentals Of AikidoThe Relaxed Martial Art
Knowing The Basics Of Aikido
Using Aikido Moves In Practice Or In Combat
Dressing Up To Train
Why Watch Aikido Clip Video?
Founding Principles Of Aikido
Defending Oneself Using Nothing But Aikido Tomiki
The Beginnings Of Aikido
The Hard Style Aikido
Aikido In Everyday Life
Weapons In Aikido
Practicing The Art Of Peace
The Dynamics Of Aikido's Techniques
Learning Aikido By Watching Aikido Video
A Basic Guide To Aikido
Using Aikido In Combat
Tips In Choosing An Aikido School
Teaching, Training, And Exercising Aikido
Where To Practice Aikido
Into The World Of Aikido Martial Arts
The Underlying Principle Of Everything
Aikido Secrets Everyone Should Know
Aikido Weaponry Is All About Techniques
My Articles Using Aikido Moves In Practice Or In Combat It only takes a split second whether someone comes out as a victor or a.. Defending Oneself Using Nothing But Aikido Tomiki Imagine walking home late at night when suddenly a group of.. The Dynamics Of Aikido's Techniques Due to the dynamic nature of Aikido, most experts say that there are.. Aikido In Everyday Life The modern martial art from Japan called Aikido is often.. |
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