Aikido of Escondido
Copyright 2008 Aikido of Escondido
Aikido
The meaning of the word "Aikido"
The Japanese word, "Aikido," is composed of three characters. "Ai" means 'to unite, to come together, or harmonize.' The second character is "Ki" which means energy, mind, or spirit. "Ki" can also mean "Spirit of the Universe" or "Universal Energy." The last character "Do"means "a Way" or a "Path." Do implies that Aikido is not just self defense techniques, but a system that includes self development as well as spiritual development. Together these characters mean "the Way to Harmonize with the Spirit of the Universe."
The Philosophy of Aikido
Although Aikido is primarily a self defense art, it has as one of its philosophical pillars the notion of being in Harmony with your attackers rather than being in conflict with them. The ideal of Aikido is not to think of overpowering and defeating an opponent, but to harmonize with them both spiritually and physically. Aikido techniques express elements of philosophy, psychology, and physics. As we learn the movements, we will, at the same time, train our minds, improve our health and develop self-confidence. Through the physical practice of the self-defense techniques, the Aikido student comes to appreciate and understand the mental and spiritual aspects of Aikido. During practice sessions, partners work in harmony with each other, learning when and how to yield, how to lead and guide another person's movements and how to control an opponent through non-resistive techniques.
Aikido Movements and Techniques
Aikido movements emphasize flexibility, balance, and circular motions. The aim of the Aikidoist is to have their mind and body unified and to maintain a calm, alert posture and spirit. Aikido movement originates at the hips and expresses itself through the arms and hands as a dance-like graceful, spherical flowing motion. The beauty of Aikido movements comes from the coordinated motion of the entire body--each part contributing to the integrated sequence of movement.
The joint locking techniques, such as those applied to the wrist or elbow, flex the joints in the direction of natural bending. They result in no permanent damage to the joint or tissues even though the techniques are effective and can be painful.
Training for Mind and Body
During an Aikido class, students practice techniques for blending with and neutralizing punches, kicks, grabs, and other assaults. As students progress they will deal with faster attacks, weapons and multiple attackers. This training develops balance, flexibility, and coordination, as well as concentration and self confidence in the face of an attack.
The meaning of the word "Aikido"
The Japanese word, "Aikido," is composed of three characters. "Ai" means 'to unite, to come together, or harmonize.' The second character is "Ki" which means energy, mind, or spirit. "Ki" can also mean "Spirit of the Universe" or "Universal Energy." The last character "Do"means "a Way" or a "Path." Do implies that Aikido is not just self defense techniques, but a system that includes self development as well as spiritual development. Together these characters mean "the Way to Harmonize with the Spirit of the Universe."
The Philosophy of Aikido
Although Aikido is primarily a self defense art, it has as one of its philosophical pillars the notion of being in Harmony with your attackers rather than being in conflict with them. The ideal of Aikido is not to think of overpowering and defeating an opponent, but to harmonize with them both spiritually and physically. Aikido techniques express elements of philosophy, psychology, and physics. As we learn the movements, we will, at the same time, train our minds, improve our health and develop self-confidence. Through the physical practice of the self-defense techniques, the Aikido student comes to appreciate and understand the mental and spiritual aspects of Aikido. During practice sessions, partners work in harmony with each other, learning when and how to yield, how to lead and guide another person's movements and how to control an opponent through non-resistive techniques.
Aikido Movements and Techniques
Aikido movements emphasize flexibility, balance, and circular motions. The aim of the Aikidoist is to have their mind and body unified and to maintain a calm, alert posture and spirit. Aikido movement originates at the hips and expresses itself through the arms and hands as a dance-like graceful, spherical flowing motion. The beauty of Aikido movements comes from the coordinated motion of the entire body--each part contributing to the integrated sequence of movement.
The joint locking techniques, such as those applied to the wrist or elbow, flex the joints in the direction of natural bending. They result in no permanent damage to the joint or tissues even though the techniques are effective and can be painful.
Training for Mind and Body
During an Aikido class, students practice techniques for blending with and neutralizing punches, kicks, grabs, and other assaults. As students progress they will deal with faster attacks, weapons and multiple attackers. This training develops balance, flexibility, and coordination, as well as concentration and self confidence in the face of an attack.
