HISTORY OF AIKIDO

The martial art of Aikido was developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) who is referred to as The Founder or O-Sensei (great  teacher).  The origins of Aikido date back to the 1920's but the foundations of the techniques come from ancient martial art forms, most notably jujutsu  (flexible arts) and kenjutsu (sword arts).    O-Sensei  was an accomplished practitioner of these arts and combined them into an elegant and  sophisticated discipline and system of self-defense based on a philosophy of non-resistance.

 

Aikido is often translated to mean "Way of Harmony with the Spirit". O-Sensei was a deeply spiritual man and believed that Aikido should be practiced with a positive spirit and for the benefit of all people.  Today, O-Sensei's grandson, Moriteru Ueshiba, Aikido Doshu (hereditary head of worldwide Aikido) seeks to disseminate the art and its philosophy around the world.

 

 

NATURE OF AIKIDO

Aikido is a "budo" (martial way), and its principles and goals are applicable both in the dojo (training hall) and in everyday life.  Training in Aikido helps develop a coordinated mind and body and a calm and harmonious spirit.  The practitioner seeks to obtain a sense of being "centered", both physically and psychologically.  Perfecting the powerful self-defense skills and techniques of Aikido leads to enhanced self-confidence in a variety of situations.