O Sensei, the Founder of Aikido
“Those who are enlightened never stop forging themselves. The realization of such masters cannot be expressed well in words or by theories. The most perfect actions echo the patterns found in nature.”
“There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within.”
“The way of the Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is limited.”
Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido (1883 – 1969)
Aikido Practice
Simply put Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art developed in this century. The larger story is that Aikido is an art of transformation and peace. The founder of Aikido, Morehei Ueshiba, or O Sensei, (great teacher), founded Aikido upon the idea that true victory in life involves winning over the discord within oneself.
Aikido was forged as a result of O Sensei’s vigorous training in the martial arts, his reverence for the natural world, his spiritual practice and his devotion to peace. Through his lifetime he came to believe that true Budo, or the way of the warrior, was not about winning and losing, but about unifying mind, body and spirit to disarm the fight, even before it begins.
Looking at videos of O Sensei one is struck by the magic of his movements, the pure power, void of aggression or force and the sheer joy of being alive. Aikido teaches that physical force alone cannot prevail as force often creates resistance. In the practice of Aikido, attacks are redirected and neutralized using circular, flowing movements. The unification of mind, body and spirit leads to the application of non violence where neither party is harmed. Aikido interactions emphasize receptivity and compassion and cooperation over conflict. Practitioners learn a new approach to conflict that unites with the energy of opposition. In this union, we learn that violence is self defeating.
O Sensei lived during a time of war, oppression and economic hardship. He started out in martial arts to become strong and ended up creating an art devoted to peace. While the modern student of Aikido sees him as the master, at the end of his life he felt he was still a beginner and had much to learn from his art. His life is an inspiration to us, who live in equally complex times riddled with fear, war, economic and environmental disasters. Morehei Ueshiba founded the art of Aikido on universal principles. His art therefore is not a static form, but a continually evolving exploration of the spirit.
Why Choose Aikido
Dynamic, physically challenging, and fun, Aikido training enhances balance, flexibility, and a calm, clear mind. Students attain good conditioning and develop the intuition and skills necessary for self defense. Training in Aikido provides wonderful cardio vascular exercise. The rhythm of class develops from simple stretching and breathing exercises to solo movements, falling practice and finally paired or partner practice where students throw each other. By the end of class, the stresses of the day have faded and students feel renewed and energized.
Aikido training emphasizes moving the whole body from the core or center. Ukeme or falling is also central to the practice of Aikido. Learning to lose one’s balance with integrity helps to strengthen and tone muscles in a way that is fun and exciting. Some of the most joyful training moments come out of falling. In training we aspire to lose the desire to throw our partners and to use strength to move them. We begin an examination of ki energy and how to connect our vital force with that of others. This internal development is as vital as the physical skills attained in daily practice.
While we refine our techniques and deepen our understanding of the principles underlying the art over many years it is not uncommon for students of all levels to experience profound physical, emotional and spiritual changes as a result of training, even for a short period of time. Qualities gained through practice carry into interactions of daily life, as techniques practiced on the mat become intuitive responses to our internal and external conflicts.
While the goal of training is harmonious, seamless interaction, getting there can be a challenge. Training can elicit personal and interpersonal challenges and our deepest fears. Yet the dojo or training hall provides a safe and supportive environment in which to do so. Practitioners learn that there is opportunity born of crisis and to look at the bigger picture. Many students have remarked at how as a result of training they have shifted the emotional landscape of their work and interpersonal lives, becoming better students, parents, spouses, children, workers, professionals and human beings.
If you are physically active, Aikido training is the perfect complement to any physical exercise. With an emphasis on spherical movement, it provides a counterpoint to movements which are more linear. If you are looking to begin a physical activity, Aikido is a wonderful way to move and be moved. If you are looking for an activity that offers a life path, Aikido is calling you.
