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Considerations
of what Aikido is…or may be… |
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‘Cultivate an open
mind… Aikido principles remain the same' |
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An art practiced for self-improvement and self-defence |
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An art used only in defence or self-defence |
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An art practiced to develop health, balance and harmony in
one’s life |
An art practiced to unify mind, body, spirit and energy |
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An art that at it’s highest is conducted on an intuitive
level without planning or strategy. Takemusu
Aiki |
A martial art/way that is ‘young’ compared to its
contemporaries, even though its roots go back a very long way |
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The way to unify oneself with the energy of the universe Harmony of energy |
An art also used on the offensive… any who may consider
themselves Aiki ‘purist’- do not be alarmed… this is in the concept of
pre-emptive
defence. |
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The way to develop the unity and realization of the
intuitive spirit |
The way of peace. |
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A traditional martial art |
A sport |
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The Way to Harmonise Energies |
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Aikido
(dependent upon which type of Aikido one practices) may be considered any, or
even a fusion, of the above views, and there are probably other interpretations
available. Within the concept of harmony everyone has a right to
their interpretation/opinion. If one
person’s opinion(s) does not coincide with your own then maybe you can agree
to disagree…., working towards the principle of harmony in life. I offer the following as a simple outline on Aikido and
its initial familial lineage…. Aikido is a martial way/art that is intriguing and all too
often the actual essence of Aikido seems beyond translation; suffice
to say at this point that Aikido, the
Way to Harmonise Energies, is the martial art and way founded by…. |
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Morihei Ueshiba (December 14th 1883- April 26th
1969) Respectfully
referred to as O’Sensei,
‘Great Teacher’ |
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A man it seems, of exceptional discipline, dedication and
insight. It is understood that O’Sensei
spent many years training in Bu-jutsu (traditional Japanese martial arts)
such as Tai-jutsu (unarmed combat) including styles of Judo, Sumo, Ju-jutsu
and Buki-waza (weaponry) including Ken-jutsu
(sword), Juken (bayonet), Jo-jutsu (4’ staff), and Yari-jutsu
(spear). |
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His continuing martial arts practice and training combined
with his meditation and spiritual endeavours (including religious studies and
practice) eventually led to his refining this eclectic system to an art in
itself which he named Aikido. The name of Aikido is made up of the
three characters: |
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Ai Harmony; Unity; to meet; Principle of integration. Ki Life energy;
Spirit energy; Centralised and coordinated energy in technique Do Way; Path
of a discipline, combining principles and elements of practice and endeavour. |
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After O’Sensei passed away his
son was inaugurated with the title of 2nd
Doshu of the Aikikai on June 14th
1970 |
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Kisshomaru Ueshiba (June 27th
1921 – January 4th1999) |
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Kisshomaru Sensei
was greatly influential in ensuring the preservation and continuance of the
dojo during the turmoil of war. He
worked on modifying and systemizing some of the technical curriculum/syllabi
of Aikido. Just as his father had given the message that Aikido is
for everyone, Kisshomaru Sensei sought to widen the
teaching and understanding of Aikido internationally. A quiet, and disciplined, man who retained a firm vision
of the development of aikido. Following the death of Kisshomaru
Sensei the title of Aikido Doshu passed to his son |
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Moriteru Ueshiba (April 2nd 1951 - present) |
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Moriteru
Sensei had been the Dojo-cho (Dojo Director) of the
Aikikai and was inaugurated as 3rd
Doshu on September 25th 1999. He has travelled extensively to conduct
Aikido seminars and promote Aikido world wide. |
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Aikido (like any martial way or art) gradually evolves as
a practitioners insight develops; it is said that O’Senseis’ Aikido altered over
time (due to age and depth of insight and practice) but not at the loss of
Aiki principles, and so Aikido has undergone further changes as a result of
the diversification, or variety if you will, of focus (for instance on the
execution of techniques, forms and practice) by O’Senseis’ uchideshi and other direct students (dependent on at what
stage of life that they received instruction from O’Sensei)
and still further by later Shihan, instructors and organisations. …Some of these changes eventually go
‘full circle’,…. So
then, what is Aikido?…. My understanding at this time…, it is the Way to Harmonise Energies-
coordinating the energy of the attacker with the energy of response, moving
to appropriately adjust distance and timing to disrupt the attacker‘s posture
all the way through to completion of technique and to remain aware. It may at times be a ‘contentious discussion or
conversation’, the answer depending upon a person’s training, dedication,
experience, studies, and understanding as well as evolving levels of
maturity, attitude, insight and integrity. So in spite of its known
ethos (and basic guiding techniques), what
Aikido ‘is,‘
apparently remains subjective to some degree. Regardless of any of that, there is something that is
paramount to healthy development… Cultivate
an open mind and remember… People
may change Dynamics
may change (Aikido)
Principles remain the same |
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