Aikido shoheijuku / Vancouver shomonkai

AIKIDO

What is Aikido?

Aikido is both a Japanese martial art and a way of life based on the principle of non-conflict. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba - "O Sensei" - who trained and mastered various traditional Japanese martial arts such as Jujutsu and Kenjutsu while undertaking a vigorous spiritual training.  All of these influences are melded into Aikido whose name, translated into English, means "The Way of Spiritual Harmony".

The purpose of using Aikido techniques is not to hurt an opponent but to bring the opponent's violence or force under control. One defends by first blending with an attack, and then using circular movements to redirect the attack into a throw or immobilization. In other words, Aikido focuses on creating harmony between the attacker and defender and bringing the conflict to a peaceful resolution.

 

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido