One of the oldest forms of martial arts is Aikido.
Aikido came into being from the studies of different varieties of traditional martial arts and was founded by Morihei Ueshiba.
As a result of some of its forms it's often perceived as a form of exercise or a dance.
Ueshiba attributed his creation of Aikido to the way his master Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito Ryu, opened his eyes to the nature of Budo.
What is Aikido?
Despite its many perceived forms, Aikido is a Budo or martial arts. It is the refinement of the techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit.
In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind.
Its philosophy is basically derived from the belief that deceptions and trickery or brute force will not make us defeat our opponents. Instead, concentration that involves the spirit will be enough to strengthen us.
Aikido also helps develop individuality in that it's used as a way to discover our true paths. It also teaches its practitioners to unify the body and mind so that they become harmonized with the "universe" and with nature.
A person's power and their strength will come from this balance and harmony.
The word "universe" in Aikido is not some obscure concept that's impossible to achieve. It's quite concrete and within the grasp of anyone. In Aikido, "universe" can be achieved through actual experiences and everyday life.
Aikido's movements and techniques are circular. When a circle is created in Aikido, the person is said to be protected from a collision from an opposing force. A firm center, however, is needed to create this circle.
An example of a firm circle is a spinning top that turns at fast speed. Without a firm center, the speed of movement will only create imbalance. The stillness of the spinning top while in speeding motion is what is called sumikiri in Aikido language. This is achieved only by what Aikido's founder calls "total clarity of mind and body."
It does take a long time of study and practice in order to find this intense concentration and centeredness.
Training is important in Aikido as well as concentration. Although it may be pretty easy to become centered when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside.
It will not be easy to keep one's composure when faced with more stressful circumstances.
This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.
One method taught in Aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. Two inches below the navel is where this part of the body is found.
The ability to control one's breathing is vital to being "one with the universe" and to center oneself with nature. Once a person learns this skill, he or she will feel astonishing calmness that they can use in the practice of Aikido.
Published by Matt Z. on December 8, 2007 10:22 PM
