The term ‘Aikido’ is created by the grouping of three characters in the Japanese language. ‘Ai’, which signifies ‘joining’; ‘ki’, which means ’spirit’ and ‘do’, which means ‘way’. These three words actually encapsulate the essence of Aikido as a sort of martial art: ‘the joining of the spirit to find the way’. It was only in the period from’30’s to the’40’s that the name Aikido was formally accepted as the name of this martial art variety.

Aikido uses methods that do not seriously injure or kill not like different types of martial art. The movements and skills being taught are just intended to divert attention or immobilize attackers. This is perhaps the explanation why most people prefer Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In deed, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to have power over hostility without causing any injury is the art of peace.

Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies ‘Great Teacher’, formed Aikido from the doctrine of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He incorporated the methods of the ‘yari’, the spear; the ‘juken’, the bayonet; and the ‘jo’, which is a short quarterstaff. But what ultimately distinguishes Aikido from other types of martial art is the fact that its proponents can strike while empty-handed. Proponents require no arms for their protection.

As a small child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father’s attackers. In due course, his studies and activities brought him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied many of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is possibly the explanation why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary kind of martial art.

Yet in spite of his skill, he remained discontented. He felt that there was still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect named Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi taught him to take care of his psychic growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts and Aikido was born.

His involvement with this charismatic spiritual leader Deguchi also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this relationship, he was able to launch Aikido and even pass on his knowledge to students, who have, in turn, created their own methods and movement in Aikido.

Aikido is a blend of the diverse styles of jujitsu as well as some of the methods of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To get an general idea, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the movements of the body necessary when fighting with swords and spears.

Oriental in origin, it was brought to the West by Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France in’51. He introduced the Aikido ways to students who were studying judo. In’52, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu spokesperson. Then in’53, Kenji Tomiki toured throughout the United States while Koichi Tohei stayed in Hawaii for a full year where he set up a dojo. Aikido then broadened its influence in the United Kingdom two years after and in’65, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, Aikido has centres all over the world.

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