What is Aikido?
Aikido (合氣道) is a martial art founded in 20th century Japan by a man named Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O'Sensei (“great teacher”). It is often described as "that one where you use your opponent's force/energy against them." However, we’re interested in a more expansive definition that explores social dynamics, physical techniques, and the interplay between the two.
Every dojo has its own interpretation and expression of Aikido, and for some that includes self-defense. While we are interested in developing effective technique, self-defense and general combat applicability is not our focus. The working definition of Aikido that we use is:
a martially based physical practice by which we cultivate our ability to maintain our integrity and compassion in the midst of conflict.
As such, it is primarily a collaborative training environment. At the beginning of each class, and every time we switch training partners, we bow and say, onegaishimasu* ("please") which means, in this context, "please train with me.”
In practice, Aikido training consists of techniques involving joint manipulations, throws, and pins, taught within a curriculum of choreographed partner movements, referred to as kihon or kata. Once a basic level of technical proficiency is achieved, space is made for students to explore and apply these techniques in a free and spontaneous partnered practice called jiyu waza. While the efficacy of technique may be judged in many ways, one of our priorities is to care for the well-being of our training partner. In this vein, participants are encouraged to make adjustments in their training as needed, recognizing that needs may change from day to day.