Aikido is often said to be art
of using an opponent’s energy against himself. It is
not, however, a matter of action and reaction, skillfulness
or technique. It is a system of self–defense, yet unlike
other martial forms, it is not a method of destruction. Aikido
is the art of becoming of one mind and body with the opponent.
This requires being firmly centered and aware of one’s
existence. One’s will must be concentrated in the hara.
Practiced properly, aikido enables the practitioner to bring
mind and body under the control of the will.
This leads to both wisdom and control- the ability to transform
difficulties and aggression into joy and self-improvement.
Based on universal order, aikido creates health in both body
and spirit.
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Ueshiba O'Sensei, founder
of Aikido |
- Aikido decides life and death in a single strike, so
students must carefully follow the instructor's teaching
and not compete to see who is the strongest.
- Aikido is the way that teaches how one can deal with several
enemies. Students must train themselves to be alert not
just to the front, but to all sides and the back.
- Training should always be conducted in a pleasant and
joyful atmosphere.
- The instructor teaches only one small aspect of the art.
Its versatile applications must be discovered by each student
through incessant practice and training.
- In daily practice first begin by moving your body and
then progress to more intensive practice. Never force anything
unnaturally or unreasonably. If this rule is followed, then
even elderly people will not hurt themselves and they can
train in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.
- The purpose of Aikido is to train mind and body and to
produce sincere, earnest people. Since all the techniques
are to be transmitted person-to-person, do not randomly
reveal them to others, for this might lead to their being
used by hoodlums.
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