Practicing the Disciplined Art of Peace



A modern martial art, Aikido is founded upon the spirituality and philosophy influenced by the Omoto-kyo religion (neo-Shintoism) associated with the Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. The etymologyical origin of the word Aikido stems from three Japanese characters. "Ai" meaning "joining," with "ki" meaning something like "spirit," and "do" meaning "way." Loosely translated then, Aikido is the "way of joining the spirit."

The Aikido method is to align the body and mind with the spirit or ki. It said that the only way to do this is through the cultivation of a relaxed state of action. In this relaxed state, nothing is forced or contrived. This allows the mind and body to naturally join the spirit or the universal energy. Everything becomes one.

It is through this oneness and the refining of relaxation that Aikido paradoxically gets referred to as the art of peace. Its founder Ueshiba was a pacifist. He taught this martial art as a peaceful means to end aggression.

Although spiritual and philosophical development is important in Aikido training, it has to be put to practical means and examples in the actual practice of Aikido techniques and methods. Words are the beginning, but action must follow.

Aikido training usually consists of two parties. The first is called uke or the receiving body. The other is known as nage (note that this term varies depending on the Aikido style being taught) or the one who gives the technique being taught.

This concept of uke and nage can be likened to the Chinese yin and yang. In Aikido, uke and nage are not separate entities. They are two parts of one for the Aikido training is learned by the give and take from both parties (attacker and defender). For instance, one of the first techniques taught in Aikido training is how to throw and fall safely. It is the task of nage to prevent injury to uke so he can learn to land safely when thrown.

"To practice properly the Art of Peace, you must:  Calm the spirit and return to the source.

Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire.

Be ever-grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother Nature, and your fellow human beings."


from the Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba. translated by John Stevens.


Iterestingly, in Aikido training, the receiver or uke usually initiates an attack against the nage whose aim is to neutralize the assault with an Aikido move or technique. This way, both the uke and nage learn from each other - the Aikido training is not successfully executed without oneness between the two. One must know the opponent (be one with) in order to change the direction of the energy to a new channel (neutrilizing the atack).

It is in the give and take of these two entities in Aikido training, that the principles of ki and other fundamentals of Aikido techniques are learned.

Such principle fundamentals one learns are those of adapting, flexibility, calmness and blending. In the case of uke and nage, Aikido training teaches the uke to be more flexible and relaxed, so that nage will not be able to catch them unaware and throw them off balance. On the other hand, the nage learns to blend and adapt to be able to control and assuage the assaulting energy from uke.

Aikido training, however, is not exclusive to interactions and parries between just two parties. In fact, Aikido training involves instruction for multiple attackers.

This is called randori. Randori is a vital and, eventually, a required lesson to be learned in higher levels of Aikido training. The Aikido training for multiple attacks is done "freestyle" where a person can further expand their knowledge by practicing and performing Aikido techniques beyond the structured environment of the uke and nage.

These are only two methods of Aikido training. There are many other training methods and techniques that follow the core value of Aikido. Become one with the universe may take a lifetime or more of training to achieve.


The author, Scott Harker, is the publisher of websites about Coin Collector's Dream, Solar Energy, Survey Taking, Humor, Wine and Hybrid Cars.




Aikido Demonstration

Video courtesy of www.ezmoviesites.com





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Using Aikido In Combat
The Relaxed Martial Art
The Underlying Principle Of Everything
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Learning Aikido By Watching Aikido Video
Aikido Secrets Everyone Should Know
Knowing The Basics Of Aikido
A Basic Guide To Aikido
Defending Oneself Using Nothing But Aikido Tomiki
Practicing The Art Of Peace
Aikido In Everyday Life
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Into The World Of Aikido Martial Arts
Using Aikido Moves In Practice Or In Combat
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The Dynamics Of Aikido's Techniques
Founding Principles Of Aikido
Teaching, Training, And Exercising Aikido
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