Aikido

History

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (refered to as O-Sensei - or 'Great Teacher' by Aikidoka (practitioners of Aikido). It is the only 'Gendai Budo' or modern Japanese Martial Art that can trace it's origins back to the 'Koryu Budo' traditional schools. Aikido (the way of harmonising energy) came from Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, and Goto Ryu Yagyu Jujutsu, a school in which Ueshiba gained Menkyo Kaiden, the highest level of accomplishment, and a teaching licence (the coloured belt systems we use in modern martial arts are a very recent occurence).

Once asked "Sensei, I would like to learn your Aikido", Ueshiba replied "that's interesting, everyone else wants to learn their own style Aikido". Possibly due to this outlook, upon his death, Ueshiba nominated no successor, and the art divided into 3 distinctive styles of Aikido.

Style

Aikido principles are based on exploiting the weaknesses of an opponent. Joints, posture, the mind can all be vulnerable areas when attacked or challenged. In essence Aikido is turning an opponents' power against themselves by using the exact degree of control required to neutralise their energy without inflicting undue harm.

Embu (demonstration) are usually a practitioner being attacked by at first an individual and later several attackers, both armed (with knives (tanto), short staff (jo) or sword (katana)). It is important to realise during a demonstration that the display is also a show of how the uke (recievers of the technique) can survive the throws, and not purely a display of the tori's (defender's) skill.

Aikikai Aikido is looked upon the other two styles as the 'grandfather' art. Ueshibas direct bloodline, starting with Kisshomaru Ueshiba, govern this school.

Yoshinkan Aikido is the most 'martial' form of Aikido, shunning competition and embracing the harder practice of Aikido. It was formed by Gozo Shioda, Ueshibas top disciple.

Tomiki Aikido was formed by Kenji Tomiki who was a Judo master sent by Jigaro Kano (founder of Judo) to learn from Ueshiba. With knowledge of the possible benefits from competition, Tomiki developed a more sporting style of Aikido. Competitive Aikido is a small but vital part of Tomiki Aikido practice and is the area given the highest profile within the British Aikido Association. It's appeal is primarily to the young and as such for an individual practitioner is short lived.