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