The Diverse Concepts in the World of Aikido

The merger of the cultures of the East and West along with other factors have lead to people discovering novel means of self-discipline. This self-discipline is primarily existent in martial arts like Aikido which have Japanese origins.

Knowing Aikido Aikido’s basic principle emphasizes restraint from the use of force. Aikido is seen as one of the martial arts that is the least aggressive. Aikido is largely popular because it refrains from provoking or initiating attacks. Aikido emphasizes the use of the attackers force and the redirection of such force into throws, locks and other different means of restraint. Little or no amount of kicking and punching is employed in Aikido. The art also pays no heed to the physical aspects of an individual during combat. Features such as size, age, weight and strength are irrelevant. What is relevant is that a skilled Aikido student knows how to direct the energy of their attacker and keep them unbalanced.

Aikido has a history that can be traced to the time when its founder Morihei Ueshiba discovered the art and developed the founding principles of Aikido. Morihei Ueshiba is also known as “O Sensei” or “Great Teacher” the translation in English, what he succeeded in developing was a martial art that employed the physical and useful elements of other martial arts such as “Kenjutsu” and “Jujitsu”. Aikido was derived from the branch of martial arts known as "Daitoryu Aiki-jujutsu" it also involves other different forms of training such as “yaru”, ”jo” and “juken” these terminologies stand for “spear”,” quarterstaff” and “bayonet” respectively.

When Ueshiba was done developing the minor and major parts of the art of Aikido, he also emphasized that martial arts was not restricted solely to the self-defense techniques of an individual but also had its part to play in the enhancement and development of the moral and spiritual aspects of an individual. This development would lead these individuals to place a greater emphasis in the creation of a feeling of harmony and peace. People who are skilled in the practice of Aikido claim that “harmony of the spirit” is one literal term that may be used to describe Aikido in English.

Aikido isn’t simply about kicking and punching and opponent and at the same time it isn’t a static art. As a martial art it is largely effective just because it makes sure that the person practicing the aikido uses the energy of their opponents in order to control them. Taking a closer look at Aikido will reveal that it is not solely a means of self-defense but a means of enlightenment as well. It is also a means of physical health and exercise and a means by which a person may gain peace of mind as well as concentration and serenity.

Different styles of Aikido emphasize a great emphasis and focus on the spiritual aspects of an individual to varying levels. Some of these levels may be greater or lesser but the primary idea is that the art was created in order to promote peace and harmony.

Written by Darren Williger

Knowing the Inside of Aikido

With the visible convergence of East and West cultures, more and more people are discovering and rediscovering new means self-discipline especially in the field of martial arts. One of these means is called "Aikido," a very popular Japanese martial art.

KNOWING AIKIDO

“Do not fight force with force,” this is the most basic principle of Aikido. Considered as one of the non-aggressive styles in martial arts, Aikido has become popular because it doesn’t instigate or provoke any attack. Instead, the force of the attacker is redirected into throws, locks, and several restraining techniques. Since aikido uses very few punches and kicks, the size, weight, age, and physical strength of the participants or the opponents only partake only a small role. What's important is the skilled Aikido practitioner is skilled enough to redirect his or her attacker's energy while keeping him or her in a constant of unbalance.

The history of Aikido as a martial art can be traced when Morihei Ueshiba discovered and developed its principle of aikido. Known as "O Sensei" or the "Great Teacher," Ueshiba made sure to develop a martial art that is based on a purely physical level using movements like throws, joint locks and techniques derived from another martial arts like "Jujitsu" and "Kenjutsu."

Technically, aikido was stemmed out and developed mainly from "daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu" while incorporating several training movements similar to the "yari" or "spear, "jo" or a short "quarterstaff" and from "juken" or "bayonet". Although these jujitsu movements are prominent while practicing the martial art, many practitioners agree that strongest influences of aikido is that of kenjutsu.

When he finally developed the minor and major principles of Aikido, Ueshiba emphasized that the martial art does not only pertain to self-defense techniques but can also play a major role in the enhancement of the practitioner's moral and spiritual aspects eventually leading them to place greater weight on the development and achievement of peace and harmony. In fact, because of the great emphasis in the development of harmony and peace, seasoned aikido practitioners say that "the way of harmony of the spirit" is one phrase that could describe or translate the term "aikido" in English.

Just like any other martial art, aikido has various techniques that include ikkyo or the "first technique," "nikyo" or the "second technique," "sankyo," or the "third technique," "yonkyo" or the "fourth technique," the "gokyo" or the "fifth technique," the "shihonage" or the "four-direction throw," the "kotegaeshi" or the wrist return, "kokyunage" or the "breath throw," "iriminage" or the entering-body throw, "tenchinage" or the "heaven-and-earth throw," "koshinage," or the "hip throw," "jujinage" or the "shaped-like-'ten'-throw," and the "kaitennage" or the rotation throw."

Although aikido is not about punching or kicking the opponent, it is not considered as a static art. It is still a very effective means of martial arts because it requires the aikido practitioner to use the energy of their opponent so they can gain control over them. When you will look at the martial art closely, you will realize that aikido is not only a means of self-defense technique but can also serve a means of spiritual enlightenment, physical health or exercise or a simple means of attaining peace of mind, concentration, and serenity.

Although different aikido styles gives great emphasis on the spiritual aspects to varying levels—some to greater or lesser degrees—the idea that the martial arts was conceptualized in order to achieve peace and harmony remains the most basic ideology of the martial art.
Written by P Oversol

Aikido - A Way of Life

Aikido..... the quiet martial art.
Ai = harmony, blending.
Ki = spiritual or life energy.
Do = way or path.

Aikido is a philosophy to be applied to everyday living. The physical training in the dojo (school) is the forum through which these lessons are taught.

Aikido translates as "the Way of harmonizing spiritual energy". Through physical training, we learn to harmonize with the energy of uke (our training partner). Flowing dynamic motions are used to 'control' uke. From here we learn to harmonize our own energy with the world around us to take control of our lives.

Aikido techniques were developed by the Samurai to encompass weaponless combat. They were designed to attack an enemies' joints and balance to negate their armor, relying upon circular flowing movements combined with joint locks and pressure points to effect control.

Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei combined these principles with the philosophies of Bhuddism and The Way of the Samurai to create modern Aikido.

Martial Arts are a way of life, they are not about fighting. The Do in Aikido means, a Way of life. Karate used to be called Karate-do, the artful form of jiyu-jitsu is called ju-do. Jitsu and Do are the two forms of all martial arts. The jitsu style of any martial form is the war like techniques. This is the way one would use the techniques on the battle field. The jitsu form of Aiki techniques would use joint locks for the purpose of destroying an opponents joints. If you could break a samurai's elbow in the battle field, you would not have to kill him. A broken elbow would never heal properly, thus the samurai could never again wield his sword. The sword is a samurai's life, without the ability to use it, the samurai would be of no use to his master, he would slink off the battle field and take his own life.

When there were no wars to left to fight, the martial forms were still practiced diligently, but as Do's rather then jitsu. Kata's of movement, with or without weapons were practiced, not for the battle field, but for personal growth. Simply for the purpose of training one's mind and body. They were used as a form of meditation, constant repetition for reaching that state of single mindedness, oneness, the path to spiritual enlightenment.

After world war II, the allies administering Japan recognized the power of these arts, and their destructive potential. Thus all the arts were banned, at least publicly. From then on, they were only allowed as sports. Hence Karate-do simply became Karate etc. Right on up to modern times, these arts are still practiced as sports, much of the philosophy was lost from one generation of Sensei's to the next. Some teachers try and include what little they know of the old ideals of martial arts, but for the most part, a martial arts school is a place to go for a work out and participate in competitions breaking bricks and scoring points with punches.

The modern, current form of Aikido was developed well after this ban, when relations between Japan and the allies were on a much more friendly level. So it didn't have these restrictions.

O-Sensei took the Aiki-jujitsu techniques, and combined them with the philosophies of Bhuddism and Bushido (the Way of the Samurai) to create a peaceful, benevolent art. The philosophies are the art of Aikido, the physical training is the medium used to impart these teachings.

Written by Phil Vegh

Morihei Ueshiba and his Aikido... Full screen

Aikido and Daily Life

In Japan Aikido is often called the “art of peace”, this is because the martial art recommends a peaceful solution for any conflict or form of aggression. Aikido is practiced in a dojo where students can easily learn about flexibility an adaptation. These are the ultimate results of the manner than Aikido students try to achieve. Relaxation and calm are taught in Aikido because Aikido is primarily about practice and following through with the principles of philosophy as well as spirituality. Masters and instructors of the art of Aikido teach people in the art that the Ki or energy only flows to its complete potential when the human body is completely relaxed. Ki is recognized as a very basic and yet powerful force.

Superiority in strength and muscular abilities often hinders the Ki. Aikido focuses on flexibility and endurance rather than the development of strength and muscular features. In order to make use of the power of the Ki, this energy must be permitted to flow. This energy will also only flow when the person is in a relaxed state. Unlike muscles you cannot build this relaxed state through exercise. A certain spiritual journey is required by all Aikido students so that they can have the peace and calm that is essential during combat.

When we are constantly in a state of defense and fear we tend to be too busy to concentrate and thus we can be distracted easily. This fact is taught in Aikido which also insists that its students remain calm and focused in the face of an assault. By being calm you have an advantage over your aggressors because you remain focused and you can’t easily be toppled or thrown. Advanced techniques in Aikido also teach you how to fall properly and rebound easily in order to plan a counter attack as you rise.

Other than combat and the dojo, Aikido masters also focus on the cultivation and developments of spirituality and character within Aikido students. By doing this they teach Aikido students to employ the principles of the art of Aikido in their everyday lives. By understanding Aikido properly they also gain better performance not only in the dojo but outside it as well.

In life having Aikido as an element of your daily routine promotes a certain peace and calm that helps you overcome even the toughest of all that life throws at you. Aikido teaches its students that they should be flexible and they should also adapt and remain calm at all times. These are the means with which you can be able to cope with the rigors of life.

Most Aikido practitioners relate the practice of the art of Aikido to other aspects of everyday life such as work, play and their relationships with other people. By doing this they remain singular with the purpose of Aikido in life. Aikido has two combatants – the Uke and the Nage. The Uke is the aggressor while the Nage focuses on neutralizing the attack of this aggressor. The Nage and Uke personalities should be both explored so that you can learn from these techniques and battle the weaknesses of both personalities together. If you need this sort of understanding of life and the way it really works you might want to learn Aikido today.

Written of Darren Williger

Weapons in aikido - Morihio Saito

Aikido and Weaponry Tactics

Aikido is often seen by some as the modern Japanese Budo. This martial art places and emphasis on a person developing their physical and spiritual selves. This far eastern philosophy basically means a way for the body to harmonize with the spirit. It is also a study of the laws of nature and how best these laws can harmonize perfectly with the mind and body of an individual.

This is a Japanese all-encompassing martial art. A practitioner of these arts will be taught methods of using both armed and unarmed combat effectively. If you have to execute armed attacks you will have different throws to study which can guarantee you maximum efficiency. Other things that you will have to study include strikes, joint lock techniques as well as vital points. You will also learn mystery attacks that teach you how to immobilize your opponent without physically laying your hands on the, Armed attacks will also involve the use of different kinds of weapons such as swords, knives, sticks as well as spears. Anything that can be used as a weapon in Aikido will be employed here.

On the whole a huge number of Aikido classes are taught using some weapons exclusively these weapons are the jo or staff, tanto or knife and the bokken or sword. These three weapons are the main weapons of choice and combat when practicing this discipline and there are a number of reasons why these are the choice of weapons. Aikido has a strong foundation in different martial arts and proficiency with these weapons will lead to equal proficiency with other different types of weapons.

Aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba who was also called O Sensei or Great Teacher by his students was particularly skilled with the use of the staff. He incorporated the use of the staff as a weapon technique with some basic circular movements. Of all the weapons however, the most influential of the lot is the sword which has its influence on all the development stages of this art and its techniques.

Martial arts students can measure the distance between attacks with effective weapons training. Distancing is called ma-ai in Aikido and it is very important in the timing or defense of an attack. If you're considering defense it is also necessary to train with weapons as well since Aikido techniques which are advanced involve you training against people who carry different types of assault weapons.

One other weapon which is used when training in Aikido is the katana, which is a single edged and slightly curved sword which is known in the world of martial arts as the sword of the samurai. Weapons training in Aikido will involve you also learning how to handle the tanto which is a short blade. The tanto was a favorite of male and female samurai during their time as well.

One more weapon in Aikido training is the ninja-to , a sword which is a favorite of Ninjas. Samurais also have wakizashi swords to use as well. These swords are two feet long and can be used together with the katana. The jo is a four feet long wooden staff which is used in Aikido and other martial arts. When you use Aikido with a jo , the resultant technique is known as Aiki-Jo. This involves and integration of the techniques learned, along with the use of the jo to show the principles along with a weapon.

Written by Darren Williger

AIKIDO CDA - SAKANASHI LEONARDO SENSEI - BOKEN 3

Great Boken Kata. You must see it.

Let me show you a little AIKIDO - GENERAL BACKGROUND

History:

Aikido in its present form is a relatively recent innovation within the martial arts tradition. It was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969), who was introduced to the classical martial arts as a boy by his father, Yoroku. He is known to have studied some martial arts, such as various styles of Ju-jitsu as well as Kenjutsu and the art of the spear.

Philosophy:

If we are attacked by a force and we apply force ourselves, a collision of energies ensues which results in disharmony. Thus, accordingly the stronger force wins. If, however, we meet the force with an absorbing movement and then exhaust it to the point of imbalance before applying a force of our own (the Aikido way), we are in fact restoring harmony or redressing an imbalance. This is the basic logic and underlying philosophy of Aikido.

Training:

Aikido is a discipline that seeks not to meet violence with violence, but instead looks towards harmonising with and restraining and opponent. Aikido is, in many ways, unique among the martial arts, in that the majority of techniques are based on the aggressor making the first move. Therefore, Aikido techniques are usually aimed at joint immobilisation and throws which utilise an opponent's energy, momentum and aggression. Many body movements have been taken from Japanese sword and spear fighting arts, and the use of the bokken (a replica sword) and jo (a stick) is intended to build the practitioner's understanding and skill.

Aikido teaches one-on-one and multiple attack defence. It incorporates knife-taking, sword-taking and stick-taking, and even defence from a kneeling position. Differences in size, weight, strength or age negated as we learn to use our inner ki (flow of energy). Weapon training with a bokken and jo indicates the ancestry of the discipline as well as helping to improve our body movements.

It should be emphasised that Aikido is a budo (literally a martial way). We practise each technique with total commitment, as if our life depended on its success, for only in this way is it possible to bring about the true spirit of budo. This is not to say that training has to be hard or violent. It is possible to be physically soft and still generate the power to control a confrontational encounter.

Styles of Aikido:

In reality, there are several major styles of Aikido today. As Ueshiba was continually refining and modifying the art he had created, some of his students at various stages left to pursue their own ideals. Thus, Master Gozo Shioda created the yoshinkan style, characterised by short and sharp movements and powerful joint applications; Kenji Tomiki developed sport Aikido, as it is widely known, characterised by competitions in which rubber knives are used; Minoru Mochizuki successfully amalgamated Aikido with other martial arts within the International Martial Arts Federation; and Koichi Tohei created shin-shin toitsu Aikido, which concentrates on the ki aspect of Aikido. All of these men trained with and listened to Ueshiba and yet each came away with a different idea of the discipline.

By Thanaseelan Vengadasalam

Aikido Concepts and Mastering the Art of Peace

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

Focusing on the Essentials of Aikido

Aikido is an old martial art, not as old as many others but old nevertheless. It was created by Morihei Ueshiba and it is the result of a distillation of different martial arts. Most people see it as a type of exercise or dance because of its fluid form. Other people have their own definitions for the martial art as well.

Sometimes Aikido is confused with Daito Ryu Aikijutsu but the essentials of both martial arts are actually different. According to Ueshiba his eyes were opened by Sokaku Takeda who himself was a grandmaster of the Daito Ryu and opened his eyes to the Budo.

What is this far eastern martial art all about?

This particular discipline may have many different forms but it is essentially a Budo or martial art. It is an art that has been refined and combined with a philosophy that advocates the use of the power of the spirit. The basic essence of aikido is a perfect blending of bodily and mental functions. The philosophy of this sport is derived from the belief that deception and trickery are not the needed things required to defeat our opponents. Brute force is also not one of these requirements. Rather a focus on concentration using the spirit is enough to strengthen.

Aikido is also a means by which we can discover our true paths and by so doing develop a sense of individuality. Aikido also teaches people who practice it to merge their bodies and minds and achieve a state of harmony with nature and the universe. The power and strength which they feel will come from this balance and harmony. When we use the term universe in Aikido it is not to refer to an obscure intangible and unattainable concept. It is an attainable concept that can easily be achieved through what goes on in our daily lives.

The movements in Aikido are movements of a circular nature. A circle movement protects the person within it from an opposing force. In order to create the right atmosphere however a firm center is needed. One analogy of what is required is in a spinning top rotating at a very fast speed. If no center existed then the speed would only result in imbalance. In the human body this firmness can only be achieved if the mind and body are completely clear, a state which might take a person a very long time to achieve.

In Aikido training is essential as well as concentration because the creation of a center may be easy in the confines of a dojo but the same conditions might not exist outside that dojo. Maintaining composure isn't easy when a person is confronted by circumstances that are not within their direct control. Maintaining calm isn't easy in this case. The discipline really aims to promote the maintenance of the composure of an individual even in extraneous situations which do not occur in areas which are within their control. This powerful martial art brings balance to all aspects of a person's life both within and outside the dojo and helps you combat the varying conditions that life throws at us.

Written by Darren Williger.

The Simple History of Aikido

Aikido is a simple Japanese martial art which was created in the early parts of the 20th century. It was created by Morihei Ueshiba (see the picture) who was also known as O Sensei or Great Teacher. The O Sensei was a disciplined master of different martial arts principles and philosophies. Out this exhaustive knowledge in both armed and unarmed combats Ueshiba formed Aikido. This far eastern discipline was termed a very efficient martial art but the training espoused is not for street fighting or the advancement of students in sporting tournaments. This sport focuses on the perfection of character as well as the development of positive human qualities like compassion, courage, endurance and inner strength as well.

Aikido training is taken not only to improve an individual but the general society as well. Tokyo was the founding center of Aikido and the main dojo or training hall is located at the Aikido World Headquarters there, known as the (Aikikai Hombu Dojo). The son of the O Sensei who was Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba has carried on the practice of the martial art to various places all over the world initially starting with Europe. In Europe, this martial art was first taught in France before it moved to the rest of the continent. In the Americas it started with Hawaii when the well know teacher of Aikido Koichi Tohei Sensei taught the art and he was followed by the O Sensei as well.

The first shihan of master of Aikido who qualified as instructors where direct students of the O Sensei. These students strove to help the master achieve his dreams of making this discipline a truly universal martial art. Today the art transcends both natural and cultural boundaries. Hawaii in the United States was the first country to experience true Aikido and it was then followed by California. This then increased quite exponentially with the arrival of the masters who came directly from the Aikido World Headquarters to establish outposts in major cities throughout the entire United States. Gradually the art spread to cover the entire country and today it is one of the more popular martial arts here.

From the year 1969 onwards the son of the O Sensei bred new breeds of Shihan through the means of the training program at the Aikido World Headquarters known as the uchideshi. These masters in turn have successfully spread the martial art by their use of a wide and broad reaching outreach program.

Over a relatively small amount of time and with the guidance of Doshu Ueshiba, this art has evolved from a simple path sought by few people into a martial art practiced by millions of people the world over. Doshu Ueshiba has been recognized for his many efforts and one of the laurels to testify as to his abilities and success in the world of martial arts was the medal given to him in the year 1995 by the Japanese emperor. Doshu Ueshiba was the president of the International Aikido Federations and the All-Japan Aikido Federation until his death in the month of January 1999 when he was almost eighty years old.

Written by Darren Williger

Aikido - Relax Your Way To Victory

The martial art of Aikido is special amongst other disciplines: it encourages relaxing behaviour and ensures that this, rather than strength or speed, will win the day. Harnessing the virtue of serenity and relaxation from everyday life and using it in physical engagement is the key philosophy behind Aikido.

Developed between 1920 and 1960 by Morihei Eushiba in Japan, Aikido is a prime example of a 'modern day' martial art; its practise relies more on the attitude and philosophy of its students than the learning of techniques or development of strength. The philosophy has its foundations in Eushiba's background in the Omoto-kyo religion - a modern Japanese offshoot of Shintoism. While Aikido is not touted as a religious martial art, it is important to understand its origins among pacifist religious followers who embraced peace and shunned violence and war. Aikido is often referred to as the 'Art of Peace' -- perhaps a reverse reference to the often cited and widely known 'Art of War' by Shun Tzu.

Upon reaching his heightened state of relaxed consciousness, the Aikido student is able to perform the difficult grips, locks and throws required by the Martial Art. The concept and theory is that energy is not wasted on aggression or unnecessary force, and that all available resources will be used to their full extent, and totally to the practitioner's benefit.

Aikido, and the practice of Aikido, in modern society is more about the discipline and psychological benefits brought by relaxation and self-confidence, than it is about mastering techniques with which to disable an enemy. This is not to its detriment, however, and it cannot be argued that Aikido is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to take up a martial art.

Written by Andy Tees

A Basic Guide To Aikido

Aikido is a unique form of martial art. Its emphasis lies on the harmonious fusion of mind and body with the natural laws of Nature. Aikido focuses on accepting and respecting the energy of life and nature and channeling this harmony onto techniques that expresses this energy in physical forms.

Aikido is often viewed as more of a defensive martial art since its techniques and teachings are designed for you to avoid or get out of trouble. On the contrary, the techniques are very powerful and effective.

Basically, there are four levels of technique in Aikido training. These are the katai which refers to the basic training and is intended to build the foundation of body movements and breathing.

The yawarakai trains the defendant to deflect attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation.

The ki-no-nagare which involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging his movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact. The ki which is the absolute Aikido technique, involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.

When training for Aikido, you need a sparring partner. The uke and the nage. The Uke is the initiator of the attack and receives the Aikido techniques, while the Nage is the defender and the one that neutralizes the attack.

Aikido basic techniques include ikky which involves control an attacker by placing one hand on the elbow and one on near the wrist giving an opportunity to throw the attacker to the ground. The niky which draws in the uke using a wristlock and twists the arm while applying painful nerve pressure. Sanky is a rotating technique aimed at applying a spiraling tension on the whole arm including the elbow and shoulder. And yonky is a shoulder control technique with both hands gripping the forearm. Goky is another variant of ikky.

Wherein the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and is quite useful in weapon take-aways. Shihnage or the four-direction throw, kotegaeshi or wrist return involves a wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum, kokynage, also known as breath, throws or timing throws, iriminage or entering-body throws which resembles a "clothesline" technique, tenchinage or heaven-and-earth throw, koshinage or the Aikido's version of the hip throw, jinage or the shaped-like-'ten'-throw and kaitennage or rotation throw wherein the nage sweeps the arm of the uke back until it locks the shoulder joint after which the nage applies forward pressure to throw the attacker.

These are just basic techniques and from the list thousands of possible implementations or combinations can be drawn by the aikidokas. In Aikido, the strikes employed during the implementation of the Aikido technique are called atemi. For beginners, grabs are the first ones to be taught. It is safer and the aikidoka can easily feel the energy flowing from the uke to the nage.

Among the basic grab techniques are the katate-dori or single-hand-grab which involves using one hand to grab one wrist; morote-dori or both-hands-grab which uses both hands to grab one wrist; ryte-dori another both-hands-grab technique wherein both hands are used to grab both wrists; kata-dori or the shoulder-grab technique; and the mune-dori or chest-grab which involves grabbing the clothing of the chest of the attacker.

Mastering each technique involves discipline and dedication. To be a good aikodoka, one must master both the techniques and principle of the marital art.

This article was written by John Nieto

Steven Segal

watch the Segal

Founding Principles of Aikido

Aikido means "The Way of Harmony with the Spirit" and is considered a non-violent form of martial art. However, don't be fooled. Aikido when used correctly is very powerful.

Morihei Ueshiba, now known as O-sensei to the world of Aikido, founded the martial art. O-sensei is a master of Jujitsu or unarmed combat, Kinjitsu or sword combat, and sojitsu or spear combat and studied philosophical and religious teachings.

Because of the religious and philosophical foundations of Aikido, principles of the martial art include ways to harmonize with the ki or spirit within oneself and the bigger spirit of nature. Among the principles of Aikido include oneness, circular motion and ki.

Among the philosophical teachings of Aikido, one of the more basics and more important is learning to control oneself. Maintaining an inner balance is necessary to harmonize with others enabling to control an opponent's attack or applying an effective technique. Self-control is the key to achieve and maintain harmony.

The Principle of Oneness is another basic principle in Aikido. An aikidoka must learn to become one with any situation. Becoming one means having an attitude of respect for all things and situations, friend or foe. By training to become one with every situation, harmonization will follow and it will become possible to execute techniques, movements and forms accurately and efficiently.

Harmony also means synthesis. And the spiritual circle which is a foundation of all Aikido techniques synthesizes everything. Aikido is a combination of circular movements. Its techniques and movements revolve around the concept of circular motions. When an opponent attacks, the aikidoka uses a circular motion of the lower abdomen to control the attack and execute techniques to counterattack.

It is said that defense is the greatest offense. In Aikido to defend properly an attack, one must learn to move away from the range of effectiveness of the opponent's attack. However, as you try to defend by getting out of the opponent's effective range, you must also try to maintain your own range of effectiveness in order to counterattack efficiently.

You won't be able to give an effective counterattack if you stepped too far away from your opponent. Similarly, being too close would definitely lessen the effectiveness of your techniques. Everything will depend on the situation. As an Aikido practitioner, you must learn to determine how to avoid your opponent's range while controlling your own in various situations.

Finally, the Principle of Ki involves believing that every thing in the universe is governed by a force or spirit. Ki is also the energy and our life force. Ki is the force that binds the mind and the body. It is the energy that harmonizes us to our surroundings. By learning to control our Ki, we will be able to unify our mind and our body maximizing efficient movements and execution of Aikido techniques.

Aikido focuses on the distance, motion, speed, and projection of an attacker. By using blending, spiraling, and extension techniques, the attack will be neutralized and by using one's centeredness and hips, the same amount of force can be applied to the attacker. In Aikido, the spiraling and circular movements reflect what the martial art is: a fluid and flowing movement of spirit and energy.

This article was written by John N.

Born into a military family John was raised in different parts of the world, is very private with his personal information but enjoys sharing his views and knowledge of the different martial arts that he has become familiar with through his travels and close associations.

Related Info Can Be Found At:

http://www.theartofaikido.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Nieto

Aikido Moves and Their Uses in Both Practice and CombatAikido Moves and Their Uses in Both Practice and Combat

In a single second a winner or loser can come out of a combat situation. A person can always examine the fighting situation in order to know whether they can become a better fighter by learning and correcting their mistakes in future. These things may also happen during a competition and this is why it is recommended that students familiarize themselves with the different Aikido moves every time that they can.

One example is considering the Ai hanmi Iriminage where a person grabs the attacker by the neck and forces him to the ground.

Ai hanmi Kokyuho, is quite similar to the former though the difference is that the arm is extended a little farther so that maximum effect can be achieved.

If the attacker has a knife then one recommended move is the Katate Ryotemochi where the individual can use both their hands to block the knife and disarm the person before they put the person on the ground.

If the person can get behind the attacker the Ushiro Ryokatatori may be a better move. If the individual is a tough person then temporarily applying the Ushiro Kubishime may render the person unconscious for sometime.

All Aikido moves aren't just about blocking and making a person fall to the ground. Different other moves exist such as the striking moves of the Kata Menuchi where the hand makes a slice to the middle of another person's forehead. If you're not trying to cause a concussion then you can try the Mune Tsuki which is a simple strike to a person's chest.

One good move when using the leg is the Aiki Otoshi it is also known as a leg sweep. By using this you can keep a person down especially when the attacker feels that the person defending doesn't have full use of the arms.

When the attacker has been subdued then you can easily keep the attacker immobilized in a Sankyo hold. This is one hold that law enforcement officials are familiar with as it is used to hold suspects until backup arrives on the scene.

More than 10 different moves exist in Aikido; a person should have the ability to differentiate between all these moves because all the terms are in Japanese. An individual may need one or more of these moves when in combat. One of the primary steps in learning this far eastern discipline is to enroll in a dojo. A person can easily take a look a directory in order to find a dojo that is quite near them and sign up if rates are quite affordable.

A student will be coached on rules on how to dress and how to use the proper moves in each stroke that they carry out. Any individual shouldn't expect to get it right the first time but they will succeed while they proceed with their education in this Japanese discipline.

It is important to remember that unlike many other martial arts, Aikido is primarily for defensive purposes. When a suspect has failed in attack the best thing an Aikido expert should do is not chase but get help instead.

Darren Williger is an over-caffeinated, low carbohydrate eating, winemaking enthusiast who writes for AikidoPages.com, CoffeeZen.com, and PrimeYoga.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Williger