The name Aikido is
composed of three Japanese words:
Ai, meaning harmony;
Ki, spirit or energy; and
Do, the path, or the way.
Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony.
Martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement, but Aikido
differs from other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self
defense without injury to attackers.
Aikido is Japan's
non-violent martial art.
There are no kicks in Aikido, and the
"attacks" that are taught are used for the purpose of learning the
defense against those attacks rather than for the purpose of injuring an
opponent. The techniques are designed to harmonize with the natural movements of
the body. Half of the techniques involve joint locks which enable the
"attacker" to be moved to a pinning position where they can be held
without injury. The other half of the techniques involve throwing the partner.
Much practice time is spent learning how to fall safely.
Because of the harmonizing quality of the movements, spectators of Aikido often
comment on the dance-like , graceful quality of the movements. While there is a
choreographed quality to daily practice, at the higher levels partners practice
with one another with no pre-conceived notion of what the attack or the defense
will be. Because the students have trained for years in harmonizing and blending
with their partner, they move at ease with one another and so the spontaneous
movements appear like a natural dance. Because of the nature of the movements,
we have seen students continue practicing well into their 80s! In observing a
class you will see the full spectrum from older or more cautious students
practicing slowly to very vigorous workouts from cooperative pairs practicing
full-out. There is room in the dojo for the whole spectrum and we invite you to
find your place, your pace, and your own for practicing Aikido.