Introduction
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a martial art that originates from Japan and was created by skilled martial artist Morihei Ueshiba as a way of minimising harm to both the attacker and the aikido practitioner(Aikidoka).
Wikipedia provides a summary of how Aikido is performed:
Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the aikidoka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.Aikido is derived from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu that was taught to Ueshiba by Sokaku Takeda, a reviver of that art. Ueshiba left daito-ryu in the 1920s to join the Omoto-kyo religion. Since Aikido is a subclass of Daito-ryu, it shares many of its techniques, although significant modifications have been made since its divergence.
Aikido is taught worldwide.
Philosophy
Since Aikido is a peaceful martial art, practitioners are expected to follow the one basic principle which is, minimising harm. However, Aikido's philosophy goes much deeper than that. Morihei Ueshiba was deeply religious, and this outlined how one should follow the path that is Aikido.
At it's most basic form, Aikido has virtues called "four gratitudes" and "four virtues" of Aikido these are outlined in John Steven’s book "The Philosophy of Aikido". The four gratitudes are:
- Towards other people
- Towards plants and animals
- Towards our ancestors
- Towards the universe
The four virtues are as follows:
- Love
- Wisdom
- Empathy
- Courage