Aikido - A Definition - Part #2

Aikido - A Definition - Part #2

Excerpt from : "The Elements of Aikido" by Greg O'Connor

" The techniques of the Art Of Peace are neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside or outside. They transcend time and space."- Morihei Ueshiba

 Aikido is the word that Morihei Ueshiba eventually used to describe his new martial art. It is a combination of Japanese concepts and can be translated to mean 'The Way of Uniting Ki Spirit'. The premise of Aikido is to blend with an opponent's energy and spirit and redirect the attack safely away, resulting in no harm coming to the aikidoka and, ideally, even to the attacker. It is circular and fluid in its techniques as opposed to linear, harsh and static, which I will talk more about later.

Aikido is not a religion or a religious pursuit and it holds to no religious doctrine. It is, however, a spiritual path. Therefore, because of the attention Aikido gives to both individual and universal spirit, it can be, and is practiced comfortably and enthusiastically by people everywhere, and by people of many religions.

Aikido is, of course, a powerful method of self-defense - a martial art. However, paradoxically, it is one that is an alternative to violence. Its techniques have a unique range of application, from soft to severe. Joints are not broken, although if the situation warrants it they could be. One who wishes to master Aikido prefers not to hurt.

 Indeed, some say it is a method of learning how to kill. To some extent this may be true; because it is only through learning what can kill that one can exercise the option and the choice not to kill. All Aikido techniques, if applied poorly and irresponsibly, can be potentially dangerous and even deadly. However, Aikido's unique ethics offer alternatives to that undesirable option.

Practitioners of Aikido often describe it as a powerful method of self-exploration. They might even say that it is a cohesive method of holistic integration. It can be defined further as a meditative art where one develops a deep calm that is incorporated into all activities. Poetically, Aikido is a dynamic and exhilarating art where one dances in the flash and flow of energy. Socially, it is a method of conflict resolution resulting in a 'win-win' scenario; winner/winner rather than winner/loser, and victor/victor rather than victor/vanquished.

Aikido is beautiful to watch. Its movements are fluid and dance-like; its results incredible. It can be unbelievable: explosive, magical, and so complicated in its simplicity. Everything in nature is contained in Aikido: the lightness of air; the solidity of earth and rock; the adaptability of water; the sting of fire; the blinding shock of lightning; the unending resonance of thunder.

 Aikido can be as soft and comforting as a sun-warmed breeze or as decisive and complete as a grizzly bear attack. Aikido can be performed with the power of a crashing wave or the passiveness of an autumn leaf drifting away from its branch. All the elements and characteristics of nature are found in Aikido. Its power is from the universe that is both in us and around us. There is no separation from everything else. For those of us who are addicted to its practice, this is its appeal.