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Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art developed in the earlier part of this century by Morihei
Ueshiba (also known as "O-Sensei"). Although Aikido is relatively new in the Martial Arts world, its
origins are in the unarmed combat systems used by the Samurai and date back to the
12th century. In purely physical terms Aikido incorporates throws, locks, chokes,
immobilizations and atemi (carefully positioned strikes to vital areas of the body). In stark
contrast to many other martial arts, Aikido places little emphasis on blocking,
punching and kicking opponents. Instead, Aikido relies heavily on body movement,
or taisabaki, which allows one to evade the attacker and harmonize with his/her
energy, or "chi" (pronounced "ki" in Japanese, or "chee" in Chinese), thus controlling
the agressive movements of the Kumite (fighting) partner.
Of all the Martial Arts, Aikido is perhaps the most associated with the spiritual aspects of Budo
(Martial Ways), most likely due to the fact that in his later years the founder became increasingly
religious, becoming more devoted to Buddhism and Shinto. This became manifest through his
emphasis on harmony, peace and the resolution of conflict by non-violent means (i.e., talking). This is
still seen in modern day Aikido though different schools of Aikido place varying degrees of emphasis on
it. Despite its connotations with peace, harmony, etc., Aikido can, when applied correctly, be a truly
devastating form of self defence. Aikido, like all other Martial Arts, promotes the ideals of
self-growth, improvement and respect for (not only) yourself, but also for everything else around
you.
History of Aikido
The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (also known as "O'Sensei"), was born on in Japan on
14th December 1883. After witnessing a terrible, politically motivated attack on his father
by a group of thugs, he devoted himself to the study of Budo - the Martial Arts. Over many
years of hard, dedicated study he attained mastery in a number of different Budo Arts
including, Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Sojitsu. After many years he was considered by many
to have abilities unrivalled by anyone. In spite of his unsurpassed knowledge and
experience in Budo, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the ego driven competitiveness and
aggressiveness of the Martial Arts.
O'Sensei began to focus more on the spiritual aspects of Budo. By
melding his martial training with his philosophical ideologies, Aikido was formed. O'Sensei continued
to teach Aikido, even into his old age. He was still giving demonstrations at age 86, shortly before his
death. Because of his outstanding contributions to Japan and other countries through his teachings, the
Japanese government honored him posthumously by declaring him a "Sacred National Treasure of
Japan". From a technical point of view Aikido can be seen to derive heavily from Daito-Ryu, Aiki-Jujitsu
(which itself derives many of its techniques from empty-handed sword strokes), Kenjutsu, Jojutsu and
Sojitsu.
There are no shorts cuts to proficiency in Aikido. It has been said that of all the Martial Arts,
Aikido requires the longest study to become proficient in. A year of Karate, Tai-boxing or
Jeet-Kune-Do will enable you to fight better and with more confidence. Most probably, it
will take considerably longer before you can hold your own in street fight by using the
product of your Aikido studies. No one becomes an expert in a few months, or even a few years.
Competitions in Aikido
Unlike other Martial Arts, Aikido has very little in the way of competition. O'Sensei felt
that any notion of competition, with its intrinsic ideas of conflict, winners and losers
(and their accompanying egos) would be incompatible with the non-partisan ideals of Aikido. While
this is not the only point of view on the subject it is probably the one most
Aikido clubs adhere to. There are some schools (e.g., Tomiki-ryu) that have promoted
competitive elements in their version of Aikido. Indeed, Kino Kenkyukai of Shin-shin Toitsu
Aikido, has been taking initiatives to turn Aikido into an international sport. Most Aikido Clubs
practice the more purist form of the Traditional School of Iwama-Ryu Aikido and therefore will not
have or participate in competitions. Another reason that Aikido does not
(on the whole) have competitions is due to the extremely dangerous nature of some of
the techniques that would be employed in even a controlled combat situation.
O Sensei was survived and the tradition carried on by his son,
Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who passed from this life on January 7, 1999.
Aikido World Headquarters:
Kisshomaru Ueshiba Doshu Obituary
Mr. Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed away on January 4th, 1999
at the age of seventy-seven. The funeral ceremony and
public farewell rite were to have been performed as follows.
Funeral Ceremony:
Date and Time: January 7, 1999 (Thursday) at 12:30 (pm)
Location: Hombu Dojo
Public Farewell Rite
Date and Time: January 17, 1999 (Sunday) at 13:00 (pm)
Location: Aoyama Funeral Hall
Address: 2-33-20, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: + 81 3 3401 3653
The official events scheduled in January 1999 like annual Kagamibiraki,
New Year party, etc. were cancelled to mourn over the loss of the Doshu.
New Doshu was to have taken office after the Directors Board of Aikikai
Foundation meet and the public farewell rites were to be held on 17th January 1999.
Further information will be provided from time to time.
Moriteru Ueshiba
Chairman
Aikikai Foundation
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