Tri City Aikido

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a martial art that originated in Japan in the first half of the 20th century and is now practiced around the world. The art was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who is now referred to as O’Sensei or Great Teacher. The art is primarily a synthesis of Jujutsu, Judo, and Kenjutsu (swordsmanship). From a technical standpoint, the practice focuses on joint controls and empty-hand throws, while strikes and kicks are strategically employed. Aikido also embodies a fundamental focus on harmony and love as opposed to conflict and destruction. This is the paradox of the art.  You will learn how to hurt people, however, it is not our way.  Through hard physical training over years, the student of Aikido achieves increased effectiveness and enjoyment as conflicting thoughts and actions are cast aside.

 

Why was Aikido created?

The art was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, through a tumultuous time in the world and in Japan. O’Sensei was heavily influenced by the Shinto religion and hoped to increase harmony in a world wracked by war.

 

Why does Aikido exist today?

Depending on the student’s desire and outlook, Aikido is beneficial for self defense, fitness, and overall well being. Regardless of the practice, the art emphasizes self improvement and a concern for the wellbeing of the opponent. There are many in the Aikido community that strive to spread the founder’s goal of increasing harmony in the world.

 

Who studies Aikido?

Aikido is practiced in virtually every country around the world, even Antarctica. Men, women, and children of all ages and races practice Aikido today. Children as young as 4 years old learn etiquette, self control, and self confidence. Members of law enforcement study the art to improve their ability to control a resistive suspect without causing undue harm. Women study for self defense against abuse or assault, and students of 85 years or older gain vitality and fulfillment.

 

Is Aikido effective for self defense?

Absolutely yes.  Aikido is budo or a true martial art.  Unfortunately, Aikido has had some flux in interpretation from school to school in the last 20 years, so this questions must be repeated to get a precise answer.  Only through sincere and diligent training can the desired results be achieved.  We only hand out black belts to those who understand martial arts and can defend themselves adequately. 

 

Is Aikido effective for spiritual development?

Aikido in and of itself is not a religion.  Some who seek spiritual development may find that Aikido furthers their efforts while others do not. The concepts taught in Aikido are in alignment with concepts of harmony and love, and those that seek the opposite tend to look elsewhere for training.

 

Do men and women both study Aikido together?

Yes, general classes include all within the stated age bracket for that group.  

 

Who was O’Sensei?

O’Sensei was born in 1883 and studied martial arts of various styles in the first few years after the turn of the century. In 1903 he joined the Japanese army and participated in the Russo-Japanese war. He subsequently studied Yagyu-ryu and Judo between 1908 and 1911. In 1916, he began an in depth study of Daito-ryu jujutsu. He was certified as an Daito-ryu instructor in 1922. During the 1920’s he sets up and teaches at various temporary dojos and established the Kobukan dojo in 1931. In 1942, the name “Aikido” was officially registered with the Ministry of Education. The Aiki shrine and dojo were established in Iwama in 1945. Subsequently, the Aikikai Hombu Dojo moved from Iwama to Tokyo in 1955 and in 1968 the new Hombu Dojo in Tokyo was dedicated. O’Sensei died in 1969 of liver cancer.

 

Why is he referred to as O’Sensei?

The prefix “O” is an honorific that represents greatness and imparts deep respect. The term “O’Sensei” could be translated as “Great Teacher.”

 

How old is Aikido?

Aikido was not born on a certain date, but was developed over a lifetime of experiences by O’Sensei. In 1942, the name “Aikido” was officially registered with the Ministry of Education.

 

Who Founded Aikido?

Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who is respectfully referred to as O’Sensei.

 

What is the Aikido lineage?

O’Sensei was the first Doshu, or leader of the way. He was succeeded by his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba as the second Doshu, and the current Doshu is O’Sensei’s grandson Moriteru Ueshiba. Many students of O’Sensei started their own schools and styles of Aikido. Some of the new schools are connected with the Aikikai Hombu Dojo (headquarters dojo) and some are not.

 

What is Hombu Dojo and where is it located?

Hombu Dojo is a term describing the “headquarters school” of a given Japanese martial art. The Aikikai Hombu Dojo is located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

 

Can anyone train at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo?

Yes, provided that you are a member or become a member of the Aikikai Foundation and pay a small daily mat fee. There are often many international visitors training in any given class and the atmosphere is very inclusive.

 

Where is Aikido practiced today?

Aikido is practiced in almost every country around the world today, even in Antarctica. Aikiweb.com has a listing of many of them.

 

Why does Aikido have global appeal?

Aikido’s core benefits of fitness, self defense, self improvement, and care for your training partners are of common interest to all nations and races.

 

Can a student train in any dojo around the world?

In general, Aikido dojos happily accept visitors, especially if one makes the effort to contact the dojo ahead of the visit and request to join a class. The dojo head instructor has the final decision to allow guests to practice and his or her decision may depend on many factors. A formal method to visit another dojo is for the student’s sensei (teacher) to write a letter of introduction addressed to the other dojo’s head instructor and delivered well before the visit. Such formalities are seldom required. Dojos occasionally offer and advertise special seminars with high ranking instructors and these are typically open to guests without the need for preliminary introduction.

 

What are the health benefits of Aikido?

The basic practice of Aikido involves aerobic exercise, stretching, balance, coordination, and timing. People of all ages and physical abilities train together and the vigor of the practice is naturally set at a level that works for both parties. At a more advanced level of practice, intense mental awareness, flexibility, and fortitude are also required. Because Aikido does not rely on “forms” (memorized sets of movements), the practice is different with each partner and each circumstance. There is never a dull moment.

 

How does Aikido contribute to weight loss?

As with any exercise, the amount of calories burned will depend on the vigor and duration of the practice. Some of calorie burn factors will be determined by the school, teacher, and type of practice, and some will be determined by the student. Once a regular pattern of exercise is established and maintained, the body will start to convert some fat to muscle and burn some fat away depending on eating habits. Aikido can be very vigorous and at times can be relaxing. Each student needs to develop a comfort level with the required ukemi (falling skills) in order to safely train at higher intensities.

 

What are the risks and frequency of injury?

There is no denying that any martial arts practice, including Aikido, involves some risk. With that said, Aikido is very safe and serious injuries are extremely rare. The most frequent types of minor injuries are scrapes and “mat burns” that are treated with nothing more than a Band-Aid. Proper stretching, nutrition, and awareness of one’s limitations keeps other minor injuries to a minimum.

 

Do people continue to practice in their old age?

Yes, people train into their 80’s and teach beyond that. The advantage of Aikido is that the more skill one achieves, the less muscle and speed are required to achieve results. Aikido can truly be a life-long pursuit.

 

What is the difference between Aikikai and Yoshinkan styles of Aikido?

The Yoshinkan style was founded by Gozo Shioda, who was a senior student of O’Sensei before the Second World War. Shioda formally launched his school in 1955 and the two styles of Aikido evolved along different paths. The Yoshinkan style has beginning students practice highly prescribed motions to build muscle memory of certain body positions and movements. In Aikikai a beginners movements are guided but not rigidly prescribed. As a student progresses in both styles the differences are slowly reduced because they are based on the same underlying principals. Both styles are effective and it largely boils down to preference.

 

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