Aikido

Aikido is a style of martial art that originated in Japan. Aikido is based on the movements of the Japanese sword (katana) and staff (jo), and the techniques of jujutsu. Aikido was synthesized by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who studied several styles of Japanese martial arts before developing aikido. Aikido emphasizes blending with an attackers energy, rather than direct opposition or resistance to his energy, and then leading the attacker into a pattern that results in pinning him and or throwing him. (1)

The goal of aikido is to defend oneself, without seriously injuring the attacker. Aikido achieves this because its movements are based on spiral expansive motion. In contrast to this, arts like jujutsu, which emphasize joint breaking and pain compliance, are based on spiral contractive motion. Many of the techniques of Aikido, were borrowed from the techniques of jujutsu. However, these borrowed techniques were modified in such a way that a practitioner of aikido can better sense an attacker's intentions, and direct (but not force) the attacker's body into a non injuring pin or throw. Because of this emphais on non violence, Aikido is a much more difficult style of martial art to learn than many other styles of martial art which empasize violence and injury to the opponent. In order to defend himself without serious injury to the attacker, the movements of the aikido practitioner must be full and extended so that he can sense the intentions of the attacker, and initiate self defense techniques, before the attacker has fully launched his attack.

The movements and stances of aikido are the same as, or are very similar to, the circular movements and stances of the Japanese sword arts. The patterns of the Japanese sword can be seen all throughout the empty hand techniques of aikido. However, to a person unfamiliar with the Japanese sword arts, the movements of aikido can initially seem confusing. Thus, it is extremely helpful to study the techniques of the Japanese sword (katana), in order to better understand and appreciate the movements of the empty hand aikido techniques. (2)

For further information about aikido, please visit the web site: http://www.aikiweb.com or the Aikido FAQ web site: http://www.aikidofaq.com

Notes:

1. Aikido contains striking and parrying techniques. However, the purpose of its striking and parrying techniques is not to injure an attacker, but to help lead the attacker into a pin and or throw. Strikes may be used to distract the attacker, so that a pin or throw may be successfully applied. Striking and parrying are used to blend with an attacker, help to find openings in his defenses, and set the attacker up for a subsequent pin or throw.

2. Some people regard the Japanese sword arts as a separate art from aikido. However, given the fact that much of jujutsu was developed from or alongside the Japanese sword arts, I regard the Japanese sword arts as a vital and integral part of aikido itself.

Download a list of Aikido terms in English and Japanese characters. This is a JWPce file.

Aikido Terms