The Japanese martial art of Aikido is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking and pinning techniques, coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as sword, staff and knife.
Founded by Morihei Ueshiba early in the twentieth century following his own extensive study of various martial systems, Aikido represents a potent distillation of centuries of Japanese martial knowledge. It is one of the most widely practised “Budo”, or martial way in the world.
Ueshiba (commonly called O Sensei or venerable teacher) was determined that his Aikido be practised as more than simply a method of fighting. He conceived of Aikido as not only a means of vanquishing a foe, but as a means of promoting the positive character of an ideal warrior, ultimately transcending dualistic conflict.
Benefits of Aikido
Aikido: The Martial Way
To understand Aikido and its benefits, it must be said that as a traditional Japanese martial art, Aikido is more than simply an efficient method of self-defence. It is a form of Budo — a “martial way”. The word “DO” in Japanese is the same as the Chinese word “TAO”. It denotes a path of understanding, a way of life, and the Way of the universe itself.
Traditional Aikido is non-competitive and promotions do not come through besting an opponent, but through demonstrating understanding of basic exercises and techniques, which become more demanding as rank increases. In Aikido we strive to work in cooperation with a partner, still employing effective technique against an energetic and realistic attack, yet doing so by blending with the attack and redirecting its energy back to the attacker.
We practise techniques against a variety of attacks such as kicks, punches, strikes, single-hand or two-hand grabs from the front or rear, chokes, multiple person attacks, and attacks with weapons. In all of these we strive to resolve the conflict in a non-lethal, non-disruptive, yet effective manner.
Rather than primarily linear motions, Aikido is comprised of blending, turning, pivoting, circling, and spiraling. Aikido embodies concepts which are at the same time very simple, yet very complex.
Aikido is a very effective martial art for self defence, not only because it teaches us how to defend against a variety of attacks, but because it is also training our state of mind and physical condition. Improved posture and breathing help us to fit better into our bodies; a positive state of mind affects how we move in the world and how we are perceived by others.
Most martial arts can help us improve physical things like balance, timing, and reaction. Aikido also helps us develop our spirit, sense of well-being, awareness and compassion.
Aikido Shinju-Kai was founded by Shihan Philip Lee. Its goal, as defined by Shihan Philip, is to raise and maintain the quality of Singapore Aikido instruction at its highest level. ASK emphasises strong Aikido technique, legitimate instructors, and Shihan Philip's clear teaching methodology.
The organisation provides support and guidance to its instructors, members, and affiliated dojos. It offers standardised test requirements, training seminars and instructor training and certification.
Of course, the philosophy and internal benefits of Aikido are accompanied by concrete physical benefits. Aikido training is an excellent program for all-around physical fitness, flexibility, and relaxation.
The human body in general can exert power in two ways: contractive and expansive. Many fitness activities, for example weight-lifting, emphasize the former, which means that specific muscles or muscle groups are isolated and worked to improve tone, mass, and power. The disadvantage of this, however, is that whole body movement and coordination are rarely stressed.
Aerobic fitness is obtained through vigorous training. Flexibility of the joints and connective tissues is developed through various stretching exercises and through the techniques themselves. Relaxation is learned automatically, since without it the techniques will not function.
Aikido training does not view the body and mind as separate. The condition of one will affect the other.
For this reason, the physical relaxation learned in Aikido naturally becomes mental relaxation. Likewise, the perseverance and confidence that develop mentally are manifested in a body that moves and holds itself confidently and strongly.
Aikido training requires the student to squarely face conflict, not to run away from it. Through this very concrete, physical experience, an Aikido practitioner learns to face the situations of life in a proactive, constructive manner.
In Japan, a nation of many martial arts, Aikido is the one chosen for instruction to the elite Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police and Secret Police. The reason for this may be the extreme flexibility inherent in the art.
Unlike other arts, Aikido technique can be applied at varying levels of severity, in a continuum from the most gentle controlling techniques to the most severe countermeasures. Aikido is therefore ideal for application to a wide range of defensive situations.
The practice of Aikido ultimately must become the practice of our daily lives, moment to moment. Every moment in our life will involve some sort of conflict — with others, with our environments, with our body, with ourselves. And yet, it is our choice to see this conflict as something to be avoided and struggled with, or as the creative force of change which makes true growth and learning possible.
Viewed in this way, life becomes rich and filled with meaning. Every situation is used as a springboard to greater growth. We learn to open ourselves to experience, rather than shunning unpleasant aspects of life.