Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese budō, developed by Morihei Ueshiba between the 1920s and the 1960s primarily from Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu. Aikido is known for emphasizing the spiritual and philosophical development of its students. This is a direct result of Ueshiba's background in the Ōmoto-kyō religion.

Aikido
Japanese Name
Kanji	合氣道
Hiragana	あいきどう
A classical aikido throw being practiced. Nage maintains balance and structure to throw uke, while uke safely takes a forward roll (zenpō kaiten).

Spirit of Aikido

The name aikido is formed of three Japanese characters,

• 合 - ai - matching or fitting
• 氣 - ki - spirit
• 道 - dō - way.

Disarming an attacker using a tachi-dori ("sword-taking") technique.

Aiki is a martial arts principle or tactic. It typically describes an idea of oneness or blending in the midst of combat. This principle finds expressions in such lethal concepts as ai uchi ("mutual strike/kill"), but in aikido it generally describes the more elevated notion of blending rather than clashing. Emphasis is upon fitting with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing with which to apply force.

The techniques of aikido can, when applied judiciously, divert or immobilize rather than damage or kill. As a result, some consider aikido to be a practical symbol of meeting aggression (physical, verbal, etc.) with an effective but merciful response, and finding harmony in conflict. Ueshiba declared, "To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."

History

Morihei Ueshiba, also known by practitioners of aikido as Ōsensei ("Great Teacher"), developed aikido mainly from Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, incorporating training movements such as those for the yari (spear), jō (a short quarterstaff), and perhaps also juken (bayonet). But arguably the strongest influence is that of kenjutsu and in many ways, an aikido practitioner moves as an empty handed swordsman. Some schools of aikido do not do weapons training at all; others, such as Iwama-ryū usually spend substantial time with bokken, jō, and tantō (knife). In some lines of aikido, all techniques can be performed with a sword as well as unarmed.

Before his move to Hokkaidō in 1912, the founder of aikido (born 1883-12-14) had studied several martial arts. It was here however, after he met Sokaku Takeda the reviver of Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, that his martial art training took any real depth. After Ueshiba left Hokkaidō he came under the influence of Onisaburo Deguchi, the spiritual leader of the Omoto-kyo sect in Ayabe. In addition to the effect on his spiritual growth, this connection was to have a major effect in introducing Ueshiba to various elite political and military circles as a martial artist. As a result of this exposure he was able to attract not only financial backing but also gifted students in their own right. Several of these students went on to found their own styles of aikido (see Styles below).

During the 1930's to 1942, when the name aikido was settled upon, the name of his art underwent a series of changes reflecting his growing distance from Sogaku Takeda.

Aikido was first brought to the West in 1951 by Minoru Mochizuki with a visit to France where he introduced aikido techniques to judo students. He was followed by Tadashi Abe in 1952 who came as the official Aikikai Honbu representative, remaining in France for seven years. Kenji Tomiki toured with a delegation of various martial arts through fifteen continental states of the United States in 1953. Subsequently, in the same year, Koichi Tohei was sent by Aikikai Honbu for a full year to Hawaii setting up several dojo. This was backed up by several further visits and is thus considered the formal introduction of aikido to the United States. The United Kingdom followed in 1955, Germany and Australia in 1965. Today there are many aikido dojo available to train at throughout the world.

Technique

Diagram of ikkyō, or "first technique". Yonkyō has a similar mechanism of action, although the upper hand grips the forearm rather than the elbow.

Some common techniques and their Aikikai terminology:

• Ikkyō- (first technique) a control using one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist which leverages uke to the ground. This grip also applies pressure into the ulnar nerve on the medial side of the arm.
• Nikyō- (second technique) an adductive wristlock that torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure.
• Sankyō- (third technique) a pronating technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder.
• Yonkyō- (fourth technique) a shoulder control similar to ikkyō (see illustration), but with both hands gripping the forearm. The knuckles (from the palm side) are applied to the recipient's radial nerve against the periosteum of the forearm bone.
• Gokyō- (fifth technique) a variant of ikkyō in which the hand gripping the wrist is inverted. Common in tanto and other weapon take-aways.
• Shihōnage- (four-direction throw) The recipient's hand is folded back past his or her shoulder, locking the shoulder joint.
• Kotegaeshi- (wrist return) a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum.
• Kokyūnage- (breath throw) a term for various types of flowing "timing throws".
• Iriminage- (entering-body throw) throws in which nage moves through the space occupied by uke. The classic form superficially resembles a "clothesline" technique.
• Tenchinage- (heaven-and-earth throw) From uke grabbing both wrists of nage. Moving forward, the thrower sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), which unbalances the opponent so that they easily topple over.
• Koshinage- (hip throw) aikido's version of the hip throw. Nage drops his or her hips lower than those of uke, then flips uke over the resultant fulcrum.
• Jūjinage- (shaped-like-'ten'-throw) a throw that locks the arms against each other. (The kanji for "10" is a cross-shape.)
• Kaitennage- (rotation throw) nage sweeps the arm back until it locks the shoulder joint, then uses forward pressure to throw.

Implementations

Diagram showing omote and ura applications of ikkyō.

Aikido makes use of tai sabaki, or body movement, to blend with uke. An irimi (entering-body) style technique consists of movements inward towards uke, while tenkan (turning) style uses a pivoting motion. An uchi ("inside") technique takes place in front of uke, whereas a soto ("outside") technique takes place to his side; an omote technique is applied in front, whereas an ura version is applied using a turning motion; and most techniques can be performed while in seiza (seated). (Seated techniques are called suwari-waza.)

Thus, from less than twenty basic techniques, there are thousands of possible implementations. For instance, ikkyō can be applied to an opponent moving forward with a strike (perhaps an ura-waza type of movement to redirect the incoming force), or to an opponent who has already struck and is now moving back to reestablish distance (perhaps an omote-waza version). Specific aikido kata are typically referred to with the formula "attack-technique(-modifier)". For instance, katate-dori ikkyō refers to any ikkyō technique executed when uke is holding one wrist. This could be further specified as katate-dori ikkyō omote(-waza), referring to any forward-moving ikkyō technique from that grab.

Atemi

Atemi are strikes (or feints) employed during an aikido technique. Some view atemi as attacks against "vital points" meant to cause damage in and of themselves. For instance, Gozo Shioda describes using atemi in a brawl to quickly down a gang's leader . Others consider atemi, especially to the face, to be methods of distraction meant to enable other techniques. A strike, whether or not it is blocked, can startle the target and break his or her concentration. The target may also become unbalanced in attempting to avoid the blow, for example by jerking the head back, which may allow for an easier throw.

Many sayings about atemi are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba, who considered them an essential element of technique.

Attacks

Students will learn the various attacks from which an aikido technique can be practiced. Although attacks aren't studied as thoroughly as in striking-based arts, honest attacks (a strong strike or an immobilizing grab) are needed to study correct and effective application of technique.

Strikes

The uchi strikes of aikido are often said to resemble blows from a sword or other grasped object, which may suggest origins in techniques intended for armed combat. Kicks are generally reserved for upper-level variations: reasons cited include that falls from kicks are especially dangerous, and that kicks (high kicks in particular) were uncommon during the types of combat prevalent in feudal Japan.

• Shōmen'uchi- (front-face-strike) a vertical knife-hand strike to the head.
• Yokomen'uchi- (side-face-strike) a diagonal knife-hand strike to the side of the head or neck.
• Mune-tsuki- (chest-thrust) a punch to the torso. Specific targets include the chest, abdomen, and solar plexus.
• Ganmen-tsuki- (face-thrust) a punch to the face.

Grabs

Beginners in particular often practice techniques from grabs, both because they are safer and because it is easier to feel the energy and lines of force of a hold than a strike. Some grabs are historically derived from attempts to pin a hand down so that a weapon could not be drawn; a technique could then be used to free the hand and/or immobilize the grabbing person.

The kata- (single-) prefixed forms are listed below. The prefix ryō- indicates "both" instead; e.g., katate-dori (single-hand-grab) becomes ryōte-dori (both-hands-grab). (Note: another kanji, 肩, also pronounced kata, means "shoulder", which may lead to some confusion.) Common variants include mochi instead of dori.

• Katate-dori- (single-hand-grab) one hand grabs one wrist.
• Morote-dori- (both-hands-grab) both hands grab one wrist.
• Ryōte-dori- (both-hands-grab) both hands grab both wrists. (sometimes called ryōkatate-dori)
• Kata-dori- (shoulder-grab) a shoulder grab. (both-shoulders-grab is ryōkata-dori)
• Mune-dori- (chest-grab) grabbing the (clothing of the) chest.

Ukemi

Ukemi (lit. "receiving-body"), is a martial arts term for protective techniques, such as parries or safe falls. One of the first skills taught to beginning students of aikido is how to land when thrown so as to avoid injury. Familiarity with different types of breakfalls allows sincere execution of techniques that could otherwise be prohibitively dangerous. In applying the technique, it is the responsibility of nage to prevent injury to uke by employing a speed and force of application that commensurate with their partner's proficiency in ukemi.

Kata

Aikido training is based primarily on kata rather than randori. Uke, the receiver of the technique, usually initiates an attack against nage (also referred to as tori or shite depending on aikido style), who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.

Both halves of the technique, that of uke and that of nage, are considered essential to aikido training. Both are studying aikido principles of blending and adaptation, applied from different sides of the technique. Nage learns to blend with and control attacking energy, while uke learns to become calm and flexible in the disadvantageous, off-balance positions in which nage places them. (This "receiving" of the technique is called ukemi.) Uke continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g. an exposed side), while nage uses position and timing to keep uke off-balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, uke will sometimes apply kaeshi-waza ("reversal techniques") to regain their balance and pin or throw nage.

Randori

One unique feature of aikido is training for multiple attackers. Randori, or jiyūwaza (freestyle) practice done with multiple attackers, is a key part of most curriculae and is required for the higher level ranks. Randori exercises a person's ability to intuitively perform techniques in an unstructured environment. Strategic choice of techniques, based upon how they reposition the student relative to other attackers, is important in randori training. For instance, an ura technique might be used to neutralise the current attacker while turning to face attackers approaching from behind.

Shodokan Aikido randori differs in that it is not done with multiple persons, but between two people with both participants able to attack, defend and resist at will. As in judo, the role of uke and nage does not exist.

Weapons

Weapons training in aikido usually consists of jō (approx. 50 inch tall staff), bokken (wooden sword), and wooden tantō (knife). Both weapon-taking and weapon-retention are sometimes taught, to integrate the armed and unarmed aspects of aikido.

Ranking

The vast majority of aikido styles use the kyū/dan ranking system common to gendai budō, however the actual requirements for each belt level differs between styles, so they are not necessarily comparable or interchangeable. Some organisations of aikido use coloured belts for kyū levels, and some do not.

Clothing

The aikidōgi used in aikido is similar to the keikogi used in most other modern budō arts; simple trousers and a wraparound jacket, usually white. Both judo- and karate-style gi are in use; the former having a thicker weave than the latter. (This additional durability is important in judo to avoid tearing when the jacket is seized as part of a throw, which can sometimes be a concern in aikido practice as well.) Specialized aikido uniforms are rare; they typically are modified to have heavier knee-patches, to withstand stress from techniques done in seiza posture.

Some systems add the hakama to the keikogi. The hakama is usually black or indigo, and is usually reserved for practitioners with dan (black belt) ranks; however, some schools allow all female students to wear them, regardless of rank.

Similarly, some schools use a variety of belt colors, while others use only white for kyū grades and black for dan grades, with perhaps the addition of a brown belt for the upper few kyū ranks.

Ki

Obsolete form of the ki kanji

The Japanese character for ki, (Qi in Chinese) is a symbolic representation of a lid covering a pot full of rice. The steam being contained within, is ki. This same word is applied to the ability to harness one's own 'breath power', 'power', or 'energy'. Teachers describe ki as coming from the hara, situated in the lower abdomen, about two inches below and behind the navel. In training these teachers emphasize that one should remain "centered".

The precise meaning of ki within aikido is the subject of debate amongst the various disciplines and teachers. Ueshiba himself appears to have changed his views over time, and styles originating from each of those periods bear certain associated marks. For example, Yoshinkan Aikido, which largely follows Ueshiba's teachings from before the war, is considerably more martial in nature, reflecting a younger, more violent, and less "spiritual" man. For example, Gozo Shioda, having analyzed the techniques of aikido, decided that the secret to kokyu, or "breath power", lay in the use of timing and the application of the whole body's strength to one point. As Ueshiba evolved and his views changed, his teachings took on a much more ethereal feel, and many of his later students teach about ki from this perspective.

Body

Physical training goals pursued in conjunction with aikido include relaxation, flexibility, and endurance, with less emphasis on weightlifting-style strength. In aikido technique, pushing or extending movements are much more common than pulling or contracting movements, and this distinction can be applied to general fitness goals as well.

Some fitness activities, for example weight-lifting, emphasize contractionary power, in which specific muscles or muscle groups are isolated and worked to improve tone, mass, and power. Aikido-related training instead emphasizes the use of coordinated whole-body movement and balance, more similar to something like yoga or pilates. For example, conditioning methods used during aikido classes often include repetitions of breakfalls, or sustained randori.

Mind

Aikido training is mental as well as physical, emphasizing the ability to relax the mind and body even under the stress of dangerous situations. This is necessary in order to enable the bold enter-and-blend movements that underlie aikido techniques, wherein an attack is met with confidence and directness. Morihei Ueshiba once remarked that one "must be willing to receive 99% of an opponent's attack and stare death in the face" in order to execute technique. As a budo concerned not only with fighting proficiency but also with the betterment of daily life, this mental aspect is of key importance to aikido practitioners.

Styles

The major styles of aikido each have their own honbu dojo in Japan, have an international breadth, and were founded by direct students of Morihei Ueshiba. Although there has been an explosion of "independent styles" generally only the first six listed are considered major. Template:Major Styles of Aikido

• Aikikai is the largest aikido organisation, and is led by the family of the founder. Contains many affiliated and sub-organizations.
• Yoshinkan founded by Gozo Shioda, has a reputation for being the most rigidly precise.
• Yoseikan was founded by Minoru Mochizuki, who was an early student of Ueshiba and also of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan.
• Shodokan Aikido founded by Kenji Tomiki, use sparring and rule based competition in training as opposed to most others.
• The Ki Society founded by Koichi Tohei, emphasizes soft flowing techniques and has a special program for developing ki.
• Iwama style emphasizes the relation between weapon techniques and barehand techniques.
• Shin'ei Taido founded by the late Noriaki Inoue, nephew of Morihei Ueshiba.
• Yoshokai Aikido, begun by then-hachidan Takashi Kushida of Yoshinkan aikido.
• Tendoryu Aikido Headed by Kenji Shimizu.
• Shin Budo Kai headed by Shizuo Imaizumi.
• Kokikai Aikido, founded by Shuji Maruyama in 1986.
• Seidokan Aikido, founded by Rod Kobayashi.
• Nippon Kan Headed by Gaku Homma.
• Nishio Aikido a part of the Aikikai although techically well defined according to its head Shoji Nishio.
• Takemusu Aiki Tomita Academy. Academy for the development of Takemusu Aiki founded in 1992 by Takeji Tomita.
• Aiki Manseido Headed by Kanshu Sunadomari. Independent style centred in Kyūshū, Japan.
• Fugakukai International Aikido. Has roots in the Shodokan style, but without the competition element.

The above styles can trace their lineage through senior students back to the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Two further well known martial arts use the name aikido but do not have this direct connection. They are Korindo Aikido founded by Minoru Hirai and Nihon Goshin Aikido founded by Shodo Morita. These schools, with some historical justification, suggest that the name aikido is not the exclusive domain of arts derived from the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba. Schools of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu have refered to themselves as aikido in the past and the Korean art of hapkido uses the same kanji in its name.

Aikidoka

It is sometimes said that in Japan the term aikidoka (合気道家) mainly refers to a professional, while in the west, anyone who practices may call themselves an aikidōka. The term aikidoist is also used as a more general term, especially by those who prefer to maintain the more restricted, Japanese, meaning of the term aikidoka.

See List of aikidoka

Aikido Organisations

See List of Aikido Organisations

External links

• AikiWeb Aikido Information is a comprehensive site on aikido, with essays, forums, gallery, reviews, columns, wiki and other information.
• AikidoFAQ an informational aikido website, including articles, tips, and multimedia.
• Aikido Journal Website An extensive source of aikido historical information.

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