Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (b. 1883, d. 1969). Now referred to as “O-Sensei,” or Great Teacher, Ueshiba studied and became an expert in many traditional forms of martial arts, among them kendo and ju-jitsu. In the 1930s, O-Sensei established his own art, one significantly different from the old schools. This art would eventually become known by the term aikido.
The word “aikido” is formed of three kanji (Japanese characters):
合 – ai – joining, harmonizing
気 – ki – spirit, life energy
道 – dō – way, path
Thus, aikido can be translated as The Way of Harmonious Energy. O-Sensei realized that winning at the expense of another’s demise was not a victory at all. As a result of that revelation, O-Sensei took the martial skills he had mastered, and created from them an entirely new discipline. In aikido techniques, we blend with our attacker, avoiding direct opposition. Rather than confronting attacks head on, we redirect or evade the attacker’s energy, which leads to either a throw or an immobilizing pin. We take care to maintain a harmonious outcome towards the aggressor. The hope is that the attacker quickly learns that he or she will only get hurt with their aggression.
Nearly all aikido movements are circular in nature. Even movements that appear to be direct and straight have spiraling motions embedded. Aikido can be extremely vigorous, dynamic, and powerful. It is also quite difficult to execute properly, despite the ease of execution that the casual observer may see from an experienced aikido practitioner.
Training is demanding and serves as a platform for both physical and spiritual development. Ultimately, those who take this path receive from aikido what they give to it.
Boston Aikikai is an affiliated dojo of the United State Aikido Federation (USAF).
If interested in aikido, please contact the dojo.