The martial art of Aikido has its origins in both spirituality and philosophy. It is also influenced by the Omoto-kyo religion which was the religion of its founder Morihei Ueshiba. The word Aikido is derived from three Japanese characters. "Ai" translates to joining; "Ki" means spirit while "Do" means a way. If you translate this loosely this becomes a way of joining the spirit.
This far eastern martial art focuses on the alignment and the harmonization of a person's body and mind with the spirit. This can only be achieved if a person remains in a relaxed state. In such a relaxed state nothing is forced so the body of an individual joins the spirit and energy around naturally, everything then becomes one. This certain oneness and the cultivation of relaxation led to this martial art being referred to as the art of peace. Ueshiba who founded the art believed in peace and he claimed to teach this art as a peaceful means to end all aggression. Both spiritual and philosophical developments are essential in the training and practice of this discipline. These concepts have to be applied in practical means during the practice of Aikido and its different methods. Regular training consists of two parts; the first of these parts is called the Uke who is the recipient while the Nage can be the giver. These terms may usually differ depending on the particular skill that is being taught.
The Uke and Nage is similar to Ying and Yang in Chinese lore. In Aikido Uke and Nage aren't diverse entities, they are primarily two parts of a singular concept. Aikido can be effectively studied by a thorough understanding of both parts. One part teaches you to throw and fall safely as well. The Nage part of your training prevents injury to the Uke so that he can fall safely when thrown.
In training the receiver of the Uke will be the one to start the attack against the Nage. The aim of the Nage is to neutralize the attack with a move or technique, by doing this the Uke and Nage can easily learn from each other and the training cannot be effectively taught without a singularity existing between the two. The give and take natures of these two personalities are the basis from which Ki and other principles of this far eastern sport are studied and learnt.
The fundamentals of Aikido deal with adaptation, flexibility, calm and blending with the situation. With the cases of both Uke and Nage, what this martial artimparts is flexibility and relaxation so that the Nage does not catch you unawares and throw you off balance easily. The Nage learns how to blend easily and control the energy from the assault of the Uke. Aikido training isn't solely focused on practicing and parrying between these two persons. It also provides instructions on how to handle different attackers.
This principle of handling multiple attackers is known as the randori and it is an essential concept that is studied in higher levels of Aikido training. Training of this nature is taught to multiple persons and is delivered in a freestyle nature, this way a person can effectively further their knowledge by performing Aikido techniques that extend far beyond the simple realms of the Uke and Nage.
Written by Darren Williger
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