Aikido - the Art
(japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, recognized in 1942)
Probably the most sophisticated and complex of all martial arts.
giving it a martial in the term is as important as artThe partialy correct description - this is creative art, way of living and thinking.
Form of expression, way of finding a harmony with inner self and the world.
The misuse of the term 'martial art' puts aikido, as many other arts in common knowledge, in incorrect role as self defence practice or fighting techniques. Unlike other martial arts aikido has no sport form, which is unique.
Aikido is quintessential of life of it's founder Morihe Ueshiba.
He go through many martial arts masters - Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū, kenjitsu...
For a period between late 1920's through 1930's he developed all his knowledge and skill into the martial art Aikido.
His religious and phylosophical views influenced him to develop a higher level of art form, one that only creates and doesn't destroy.
Reffered as Ōsensei ("Great Teacher") he reached to the ultimate goal of all his study - creating an martial art that does end the conflict, but not the oponent.
Aikido was internationally presented in 1951 in France, and since then spreading across the world, breaking borders and prejudices.
In this regards sports have similar role, unite people, but still divide them in to winners and defeated.
As difference to Aikido, where unity comes from mutual respect, without competiotion.
The way of love / harmony
- one of the most common translations, aikido has practically no physicall limitations for people to train it,but sets a barier for narrow mind.
And in time mind and body, love and anger, you and 'the enemy', everything should be blended in to the art of aikido.
The enemy is our ego, the body is the mind, anger is ultimately infinite love. This is possible if open mind is explored, not the narrow corners of human material limitations.
Aikido is the way of no resistance, of taking the flow of energy and use it in a good manner. Often compared to the flexibility and resilliance of the water flow - in time it finds it's way through every obstacle, in a harmonious way.
Founder Morihei Ueshiba (below)
Some of the Ōsensei wisdom...
Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.
Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer.
When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.
A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.
The divine is not something high above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth, it is inside us
Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.
Morihei Ueshiba