Volume 4 Number 3,
October/November 1998
What is Aikido?
Written by Gwen Boyd as a testing requirement for the rank of Shodan
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Usheiba and influenced by his mastery of several styles of martial arts including the Shinkage school of swordsmanship and the Kito and Daito schools of jujutsu among others. Aikido is a martial art that utilizes throws, joint locks and pins. These techniques are practiced empty handed as well as with the sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto). But, this description tells only half of the story. O-Sensei was an accomplished martial artist. He was also a deeply religious man. His life’s pursuit was to find a way to rectify the conflicts between the way of the martial arts warrior and his spiritual beliefs. Rather than focus on the defeat of others as occurred in the traditional arts, O-Sensei sought to turn the battle inward to fight the human foes of ego and disregard for others. The challenge to become the best human being possible in both mind and body replaced the challenge to combat and defeat others.
Aikido is comprised of four basic principles:
- Weight under side - One of my favorite aspects of Aikido is the fact that the art uses the basic laws of physics to make the most of the least in terms of movement and strength. If there is conflict at one joint such as the wrist, then we go to the next joint and bend the elbow to place weight under side. If nage’s center or hara is lower than uke’s then nage is in the stronger position. If nage’s center is higher than uke’s then nage may be easily taken off balance. An exercise that is a good example of this principle is Udefuri Choyaku Undo. The idea as one spins is to corkscrew one’s center in to the mat to maintain balance. Without this type of visual image, it is very easy for an individual’s energy to go higher and higher as their body spins. Without a solid center, students stumble both during and after the exercise as they try to regain balance. If nage attempts a technique and does not keep weight under side or below that of uke’s, nage is no longer operating from a position of balance and strength.
- Leading Intention - As we train, it is stressed that we must control the first move. We begin our response at the moment we sense the very intention of an attack and lead our opponent’s intention to control the first move and ultimately the outcome of the attack. Aikido blends and leads the intention of an attack as opposed to resisting and clashing with the energy directed toward us. We get off the line and take balance. We do not pit strength against strength. We lead our opponent’s intention to a place where we may both avoid harm.
- Maintain one point - Or, keep your center. Move from your hara. The hara is a point approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the navel and is the area where our internal power is held. As we execute techniques, we become the center of the universe. Moving from this center, maintaining one point, gives you the optimum balance, power, coordination and control. The concept of maintaining one point is not just a physical concept but a mental one as well. Keeping one’s internal center means to keep calm and focused even in the most adverse conditions. A calm and focused mind also operates from a position of strength and control.
- Extend Ki - Aikido includes internal training aimed at building an individual’s inner strength, or ki. Ki is expanded through intense training and practice to meet and harmonize with the energy of the universe. This unity of individual and universal ki provides the dynamic flowing movement that is the heart of Aikido and is of indestructible strength. It is this inner development and introspective philosophy that separates Aikido from the other martial arts and earns it the description, “The Way of Harmony.”
An individual’s spirit or ki may be extended to deflect an attack and to provide clear intention as to where uke’s energy is to be redirected. One of the first concepts we teach new students is that of the unbendable arm. We instruct students to focus their energy through their unbendable arm. This focus of energy is really an extension of ki and provides an often unexpected strength that gives the new student something tangible that may help them understand the concept and power of one’s internal strength.
Many books have been written about Aikido and the diverse aspects of the art. I will simply add for me that Aikido gives me options. With Aikido I can control rather than break. I can be strong yet flexible. I can approach life and others with love rather than aggression. I can have the inner strength to walk away from conflict, not to fuel it. In this day and age these are very important choices to have, not only for the individual, but for the health of the whole.
1998 Summer Camp
The 1998 Summer Camp, held in Raleigh was a great success. In addition to Toyoda Shihan’s dynamic teaching, there were guest instructors who gave a peek into other aspects training.
Keith Moore Sensei held a session on tactical Aikido. This is a side of Aikido that is often taught to law enforcement and military personnel.
Yasuo Kobayashi Shihan lead some of the sessions, including one that gave us a look at the sword drawing art of Iaido.
The highlight of the seminar was Gwen Boyd’s Shodan test. Her Randori had the whole crowd cheering. Congratulations to Gwen.
Good-Bye Jon!
All of us at the Aikido Center were sad to learn that Sensei Drew was moving to Raleigh. We will be losing a great teacher and friend. We all wish Jon luck at his new location, and hope he will visit often.
Home Photos Newsletter New Members Promotions Seminars Copyright © 1997 by The Aikido Center. All rights reserved.
