534 Mendocino Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401
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534 Mendocino Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401 |
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Aikido Aikido means the way of harmonizing universal energy. It is a method of realizing ones mental and physical potential and an effective means of self-protection. The goal of Aikido is the enlightenment of the student not the destruction of the attacker. Aikido teaches awareness of the interaction of the mind and body. Unification of the mind, body and spirit is the ultimate purpose of Aikido. All Aikido movements contain circle and spirals, which echo the helical patterns found in nature. In addition to circular movements, Aikido employs blending of action between the aggressor and the defender. The attack is received and redirected into a hold or throw in one continuous movement. The power for this movement is generated from the lower abdomen and legs. It does not rely on upper body strength and muscle. As a side benefit, co-ordination improves between the left and right sides and overall health is enhanced. Greater understanding and even mastery of Aikido requires the internalizing of Aikido principles as well as techniques. These principles are unusual for a martial art: a compassionate attitude towards an attacker, remaining calm in the midst of heated action, and recognizing and reconciling conflicts before they escalate into major problems. This is the approach that differentiates Aikido from the other martial arts. Through the diligent practice and study of Aikido, the art is integrated into one's life. At that time a glimpse of the true meaning of Aikido can be felt and understood.
The Founder Morihei Uyeshiba, called O-sensei (great teacher), had studied the traditional martial arts of Japan. With mind, body and soul he mastered the sword, spear, and jo (short staff) as well as the empty-handed arts. Yet, even with this mastery, he was dissatisfied with the scope and philosophy of the martial arts. Master Uyeshiba felt that the physical techniques alone were not enough. With this in mind, he secluded himself in Ibaraki Prefecture to search for the true meaning of the martial arts. There he founded a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Aiki. It was in the shrine that the Master spent long hours practicing and performing purifying exercise in the hope of reaching his goal. Through this arduous period, Master Uyeshiba began to evolve the principles of Aikido. Rather than focusing on discord and the constant desire to win and dominate, the ideas of harmony and peaceful reconciliation began to emerge. Through a revelation in the mid 1940's, he found the answer he was looking for-the essence of Budo (the way of the warrior)-modern Aikido.
Training Levels There are three basic levels of practice that can be applied to almost every technique. Through familiarization of these categories, one can grasp the stages of development most aikidokas go through. The first is the solid or rigid type. It is the fundamental level of practice, in which the partner is allowed to get a firm grasp or hold before the technique is started. The subsequent movement permits one to practice stable hip movements, "ki" extension, coordinated body movements, breathing, and other basics. The solid practice lets one move slowly against strength and power in order to feel the proper movement. The second level is the flexible approach. This intermediate step allows one to add timing and movement to the previously mentioned basics. This level is practiced by having the aggressor get close enough to almost grab or hold the aikidoka. This practice has the defender moving slowly, yet deliberately just before a complete grip is established. The third level is the flowing approach. The attacker is led even before actual physical contact is made. The attacker's intentions are drawn in and led to a throw or a hold down technique. Rhythm and timing are very important as is reading the attacker's intentions. It is at this level that one can practice "free wheeling" technique. The ability to perform flowing movements and to efficiently respond to attacks is quickly developed. When one trains and studies these fundamental parts of Aikido, one can progress to the art of "Takemusu Aiki" described later.
Riai Riai is a concept unique to the type of Aikido practiced at the Aiki shrine. It's underlying principle stresses that Aikido technique and movements remain the same whether armed or unarmed. If a sword or staff is lost during a confrontation, the techniques and movements remain the same. One trains in this method by learning the empty-handed, the sword, and the staff techniques. With this sort of practice, natural comparisons will arise. Having this knowledge the aikidoka will progress very quickly.
Takemusu Aiki When the foundation has been laid, the Aikido practitioner can look forward to greater developments in the art. The next step is "Takemusu Aiki" (Aiki that is bound to the roots of the way of the warrior). At this stage techniques are performed effortlessly and spontaneously. The true form is elegant to watch in its beauty and power to feel in its effectiveness.
Aiki Shrine The Aiki shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan embodies the spirit of Aikido and serves as its source of inspiration. It was at Ibaraki Shuren Dojo that O-sensei refined and perfected Aikido. After teaching and traveling throughout Japan, he would return to the dojo shrine for further refinement and study. Even now practitioners from all over the world come to the shrine to pay homage to the memory of O-sensei and to revitalize their training in Aikido.
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