Information on Aikido
AI
- To blend with; harmony; unity; to be in
accord with or to join.
KI - Spirit; energy; life force or universal creative energy.
Do - The way or the path.
The
Name
It's very characters indicate Aikido is the way or path to blend or be in accord with personal energy and even universal energy. Rather than resisting force, one should accept it, blend with it, and redirect it to a respectful resolution for all involved.
What
can Aikido do for you?
The regular practice of
Aikido can enable you to develop both mentally and physically.
In addition to learning an effective self-defense system, you can develop and/or enhance self-discipline, determination, confidence and self esteem.
You can become more alert; have quicker reflexes and good body postures.
It is an excellent form of aerobic physical exercise.
Aikido can reduce stress and anxiety.
Spiritually, the practice of Aikido can lead to the oneness of the mind and body-allowing you to be in harmony with your surroundings.
In addition to learning an effective self-defense system, you can develop and/or enhance self-discipline, determination, confidence and self esteem.
You can become more alert; have quicker reflexes and good body postures.
It is an excellent form of aerobic physical exercise.
Aikido can reduce stress and anxiety.
Spiritually, the practice of Aikido can lead to the oneness of the mind and body-allowing you to be in harmony with your surroundings.
How
is Aikido practiced?
A beginning student is
first taught
warm-up and stretching exercises. The exercises are performed
at
the beginning of each training session and usually include an
abbreviated set of katas or individual forms that the student can
practice on their own.
Several different types of rolling/falling techniques are learned. These techniques are important because they allow for the practice of Aikido techniques in a safe manner.
During the class, two parts will be studied by each student: that of the person doing the technique in response to an attack, and that of the person receiving the technique after attacking. Each has an equal importance in learning the techniques of Aikido.
The Aikido student learns to assume a natural and comfortable stance and posture and the movements are generally circular in unison with the movements of the universe.
Techniques studied in a practice session stress not opposing the partner's strength directly, but rather blending with that strength and redirecting it in a less harmful manner.
The object in class is not to conquer but to harmonize; not to dominate but to unify.
The goal of the student during each technique is to neutralize the partner through throws, take downs and joint locks without harming either him/herself or the partner.
Weapons practice is sometimes included using staff, sword and/or knife (all made of wood).
Several different types of rolling/falling techniques are learned. These techniques are important because they allow for the practice of Aikido techniques in a safe manner.
During the class, two parts will be studied by each student: that of the person doing the technique in response to an attack, and that of the person receiving the technique after attacking. Each has an equal importance in learning the techniques of Aikido.
The Aikido student learns to assume a natural and comfortable stance and posture and the movements are generally circular in unison with the movements of the universe.
Techniques studied in a practice session stress not opposing the partner's strength directly, but rather blending with that strength and redirecting it in a less harmful manner.
The object in class is not to conquer but to harmonize; not to dominate but to unify.
The goal of the student during each technique is to neutralize the partner through throws, take downs and joint locks without harming either him/herself or the partner.
Weapons practice is sometimes included using staff, sword and/or knife (all made of wood).
What do I need to start?
A
desire to learn.
A willingness to devote a few hours a week to self-improvement.
Wear loose fitting clothing to the first classes. Eventually a gi, a white martial arts uniform, can be purchased via the Internet or from the instructor. Also, eventually you'll want to purchase your own weapons, but at first they may be borrowed from the instructor.
Send an email to the address below to arrange your first class or watch a class session.
A willingness to devote a few hours a week to self-improvement.
Wear loose fitting clothing to the first classes. Eventually a gi, a white martial arts uniform, can be purchased via the Internet or from the instructor. Also, eventually you'll want to purchase your own weapons, but at first they may be borrowed from the instructor.
Send an email to the address below to arrange your first class or watch a class session.
Vocabulary/Terminology/Techniques