| Aikido is one of the oldest form of martial arts. | | | | Aikido's movements and techniques are circular. |
| Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido came about | | | | When a circle is created in aikido, the person is |
| through the studies of many different kinds of | | | | said to be protected from a collision from an |
| traditional martial arts. In fact, is often perceived | | | | opposing force. A firm center, however, is needed |
| as a form of exercise or a dance because of | | | | to create this circle. |
| some of its forms. It is also viewed by some | | | | An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that |
| quarters as some form of martial mesmerism. | | | | turns at fast speed. Without a firm center, the |
| Aikido is even confused with Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, | | | | speed of movement will only create imbalance. |
| it is different in its essence. Still, its founder | | | | The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding |
| attributed his creation of aikido to the way, his | | | | motion is what is called sumikiri in Aikido language. |
| master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito | | | | This is achieved only by what Aikido founder calls |
| Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo. | | | | "total clarity of mind and body." However, this is |
| What is aikido? | | | | not so easily achieved. It takes a long time of |
| Despite its many perceived forms, aikido is a | | | | study and practice in order to find this intense |
| Budo or martial arts. It is the refinement of the | | | | concentration and centeredness. To learn more, |
| techniques that are being taught in traditional | | | | you can visit: |
| martial arts and is combined with a philosophy | | | | Training is important in aikido as well as |
| that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its | | | | concentration because while it may be easy to |
| essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind. | | | | create a centered being when inside a martial arts |
| Its philosophy is basically derived from the belief | | | | gym, the same cannot be said of situations and |
| that deceptions and trickery or brute force will | | | | circumstances outside. It will not be easy to keep |
| not make us defeat our opponents. Instead, | | | | one's composure when faced with extraordinary |
| concentration that involves the spirit will be | | | | circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of |
| enough to strengthen us. | | | | Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to |
| Aikido is also used as a way to discover our true | | | | maintain their composure and their centeredness |
| paths so that we can develop our individuality. It | | | | even in panic situations such as danger and |
| also teaches its practitioners to unify their body | | | | calamities. |
| and their mind so that they will become in | | | | One method taught in aikido is to breathe with |
| harmony with the "universe" and with nature. | | | | what is called the seika tanden point. This is the |
| Their power and their strength will come from | | | | part of the body that can be found two inches |
| this balance and harmony. | | | | below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key |
| The word "universe" in aikido is not some obscure | | | | to being one with the universe and to center |
| concept that one cannot achieve. It is actually | | | | oneself with nature. When a person learns to do |
| quite concrete and is even within the grasp of the | | | | this, he or she will feel extraordinary calmness |
| person. In aikido, "universe" can be achieved | | | | that they can use in the practice of aikido. |
| through actual experiences and everyday life. | | | | |