What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, reverentially referred to by Aikidoka (Aikido practitioners) as O-Sensei. O-Sensei developed Aikido from his extensive knowledge and experience in Aiki-jujitsu and Kenjutsu, and other weapons disciplines like Kyujutsu and Jojutsu. On a rudimentary physical level, Aikido is a system of throws and joint locks which enables practitioners to utilize the movement and attacks of their opponents in order to control or throw their adversaries. As practitioners progress in their training, they will find themselves delving deeper into the philosophical and spiritual aspects of Aikido, while at the same time developing their abilities to correctly utilize the quintessential force that is the substance of all Aikido techniques and training, Kokyu Ryoku (breath power), commonly referred to as Ki.

The following quote from O-Sensei describes his philosophy regarding the martial art that he founded and developed.

“I didn’t create Aikido. Aiki is the way of the universe. It is the source of the principles of life. The history of Aikido begins with the origins of the universe. Do you think that a human being could possibly have created these laws?

There is no enemy in the true martial way (budo). True budo is a work of love. It is not killing or fighting; it is a work of creation and growth which gives life to and nurtures all things. Love is the guardian deity of everything. Nothing can exist without it. Aikido is the realization of love.”

– Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Given the deep pacifistic spiritual roots and philosophy of the founder, it is no wonder that the art is also known as “the way of harmony”.

For most who observe Aikido practice for the first time, a sense of bewilderment will often be felt. The traditional notions of a martial art that they have ingrained in their minds of flying kicks and rapid punches are nowhere to be found at an Aikido dojo. Instead they are greeted by graceful body motions that seem more at home at a dancehall than at a place of martial arts instruction.

Aikido training is generally carried out in pairs with a Tori (also referred to as Nage, the executioner of the technique being practiced) and an Uke (the recipient of the technique). The graceful way in which the Uke reciprocates the Nage’s technique is also fundamental to Aikido, where students are taught how to protect themselves when on the receiving end of the myriad throws and locks which when applied practically, can maim or even kill. Therefore, the cultivation of the Aikidoka’s spirit and temperament should be of utmost concern to every Aikidoka as the tenets of Aikido are rooted in harmonizing with your opponent, non-violence and love.

With that having been said, Aikido as performed at an Enbu (martial arts demonstration) illustrates its superior techniques of harmony and control over an opponent, as the video below of Shihan Christian Tissier at the Bercy Festival in France aptly presents.

*Please do no try these techniques without proper instruction.

If you are interested in Aikido, we highly recommend that you visit your local Aikido dojo for more information regarding training schedules and the qualifications of the instructors. If you reside in Johor Bahru, you are cordially invited to join us for training. Our highly qualified and experienced Aikikai certified Instructors are eager to teach you the way of the harmonious spirit.