Introduction to Aikido
Aikido (合気道, aikidō) is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.
Aikido
Introduction to Aikido
Etymology and basic philosophy
The term 'aiki' does not readily appear in the Japanese language outside the scope of Budo. This has led to many possible interpretations of the word.
The word "aikido" is formed of three kanji:
- 合 - ai - joining, unifying, combining, fit. 合 is mainly used in compounds to mean 'combine, unite, join together, meet' examples being 合同(combined/united) 合成(composition) 結合(unite/combine/join together) 連合(union/alliance/association) 統合(combine/unify) 合意(mutual agreement). As well as an idea of reciprocity, 知り合う(to get to know one another) 話し合い(talk/discussion/negotiation) 待ち合わせる(meet by appointment).
- 気 - ki - spirit, energy, mood, morale. 気 is often used as a feeling as in 気がする('I feel', as in terms of thinking but with less cognitive reasoning) 気持ち(feeling/sensation) 気分(mood/morale). Also Energy or force. 電気(electricity) 磁気 (magnetism).
- 道 - dō - way, path. The term dō connects the practice of aikido with the philosophical concept of Tao, which can be found in martial arts such as judo and kendo, and in the more peaceful arts such as Japanese calligraphy (shodō), flower arranging (kadō) and tea ceremony (chadō or sadō).
History
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, 14 December 1883–26 April 1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as Ōsensei ("Great Teacher").[6] Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but also an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the Aiki that Ueshiba studied into a wide variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.
Basic Terminology
Basic Terminology
Here are some basic terms that you will hear in the course of practice.
Besides the names of the techniques and attacks, these are the terms you should be most familiar with.
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Dogi
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道着
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A uniform made of thick woven cotton, used in Aikido, Judo, and other martial arts
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Dojo
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道場
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Practice hall; the place where a martial art is taught and practiced
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Ki
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気
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A central concept in East Asian systems of thought and medicine, as well as many other martial arts aside from Aikido. A kind of “life force” that governs the way living beings move and operate.
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Nage (or Tori)
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投げ or 取り
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The partner executing a technique in paired or multiple partner practice
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O-sensei
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大先生
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Reference of respect to Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), the founder of Aikido, whose picture adorns the front of the dojo
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Rei
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礼
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A bow
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Sensei
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先生
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Teacher
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Uke
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受け
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Receiver of a Technique, that is, the “attacker” who is then thrown or pinned
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