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The Origins of Aikido

Dec 22

Rhys JonesUncategorized aikido, exercise, extreme sport, fitness, health, hobbies, jujitsu, Martial Arts, other, recreation, Self Defense, self help, spirituality, sport, Uncategorized 1 Comment

The word ‘Aikido’ is formed by the permutation of three characters in the Japanese language. ‘Ai’, which means ‘joining’; ‘ki’, which signifies ‘spirit’ and ‘do’, which which means ‘way’. These three words in fact actualy do encapsulate the essence of Aikido as a type of martial art: ‘the joining of the spirit to find the way’. It was only in the period from 1930′s to the 1940′s that the name Aikido was formally accepted as the name of this martial art variety.

Aikido uses methods that do not seriously injure or kill not like different types of martial art. The movements and skills being taught are just intended to divert attention or immobilize attackers. This is perhaps the explanation why most people prefer Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and conflict. In deed, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to have power over hostility without causing any injury is the art of peace.

Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which signifies ‘Great Teacher’, developed Aikido from the principles of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He integrated the ways of the ‘yari’, the spear; the ‘juken’, the bayonet; and the ‘jo’, which is a short quarterstaff. But what finally distinguishes Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its practitioners can strike while empty-handed. Proponents need no weaponry for their protection.

As a young child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father’s attackers. Eventually, his studies and actions led him to the discipline of the various martial arts. He studied a few of them. He even has certificates for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has studied it all. This is maybe the explanation why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary form of martial art.

Yet in spite of his knowledge, he remained dissatisfied. He felt that there was still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual guide, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect named Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi trained him to take care of his psychic growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts and Aikido was formed.

His association with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also paved the way for his introduction to the elite political and military people as a martial artist. Because of this connection, he was able to found Aikido and even pass on his teachings to students, who have, in turn, created their own styles and movement in Aikido.

Aikido is a blend of the different styles of jujitsu as well as some of the ways of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To get an overall idea, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the techniques of the body necessary when fighting with swords and spears.

Oriental in origin, it was brought to the West by Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France in 1951. He introduced the Aikido methods to students who were learning judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu spokesperson. Then in 1953, Kenji Tomiki toured throughout the United States while Koichi Tohei stayed in Hawaii for a full year where he set up a dojo. Aikido then broadened its influence in the United Kingdom two years after and in 1965, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, Aikido has centres all over the world.

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