The Principles of Aikido

Aikido is a unarmed system designed solely for self-defence. It is essentially non-violent and as conceived by its creator, non-competitive. Force is never opposed with force. By means of largely spherical movements an attacker’s force is diverted and turned back upon itself.

In addition to throws to bring the assailant to the ground, there are also a variety of joint locks or immobilisations for controlling an attacker. Though these can be painful and induce immediate submission, they are applied so as not to cause injury.

Aikido is perhaps the most subtle and graceful of the various Japanese martial arts. Since Aikido techniques do not demand physical strength or an aggressive spirit, it is practised by people of all ages and physical make up; by women just as well as by men.

The Benefits of Aikido Practice

Since Aikido is based on full and natural body movement, it exercises every limb and joint of the body. Flexibility, muscle tone, co-ordination, quick reactions are all developed. It does not demand unnatural body building preparation but is an absorbing way to keep fit along natural lines and within a framework of aesthetic movement.

As we get older, we lose the flexibility in our joints at an alarming rate. Aikido is an excellent way of restoring and preserving a supple healthy body. Moreover, there should be enough expenditure of energy in an Aikido practice for a good cardiovascular workout and to work up a good sweat.

Aikido is essentially a method of self-defence, so that through regular practice one will acquire a sound basis of agile movement, speed of reaction and an awareness of one’s surroundings that should prove useful if the occasion ever demanded it in real life.

In common with other oriental philosophies (and indeed with modern science) Aikido teaches that there is no real separation between that which is body and that which is mind. By subjecting our bodies to the precise discipline of Aikido we might eventually influence our minds for the good: creating an inner calm and balance that may be carried into our daily lives, helping us to become better and more effective people.