Aikido

Aikido has originating from the traditional Japanese martial arts (budo). It was developed in the last century by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) primarily out of jujitsu and the Japanese swordsmanship. As opposed to the "Art of War", Master Morihei Ueshiba described Aikido as the "Art of Peace".

"The world will continue to change dramatically
but fighting and war can destroy us utterly.
What we need now are techniques of harmony,
not those of contention.

The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War."

After the 2. World War other modern Japanese forms of budo, such as judo, karate or kendo developed into competitive forms of sport (which made them known and famous), whereas Aikido rejects all types of competition and tournaments, and the destinction into winners and losers. The central principles of Aikido are non-violence and the harmonisation with the partner.

Aikido means learning in movement through the body – not only for the Aikido itself within the dojo (place of training), but for every moment in ones life. The focus is placed on the training of mind and body to harmonise with each other and the environment.

AI – means to meet, to harmonise

KI – refers to the central life energy or life force within the indiviual and the universe

DO – is the way how to

AI-KI-DO therefore means literally the Way of Harmony with (the help) of ki.

The Aikido techiques are flowing and harmonious, and might almost remind the viewer of a dance-like choreography. They might not look dangerous, however, although this is not the goal of Aikido, they can hurt the partner easily. An attack is avoided, through spiraling movements the attacker is taken out of balance. Falling techniques allow to remain unhurt, also when the techiques are done very fast and dynamically.

Because the use of physical power is not necessary to do the techniques, Aikido can be practised be people of all ages and both genders. In some dojos even the smallest children from age 3 years are tought, and it is possible to start with the training no matter what age. Women and men, beginners and advanced people are practicing together.