Next to
the martial art of Tai Chi,
Aikido is often regarded as one of the most graceful and beautiful
martial arts to watch. Aikido is a very popular Japanese martial art
rooted in part in the Samurai
tradition, but owes its modern form in the 20th century to Morihei
Ueshiba.
Ueshiba
and developed the principles of modern aikido. Known as "O Sensei" or
the "Great Teacher," Morihei developed an art based on movements
incorporating throws, joint locks and techniques derived from other
martial arts such as Jujitsu
and Kenjutsu.
Considered
non-aggressive styles in martial arts, it embraces the idea of not
fighting force with force. This is a fundamental aspect and principle.
It has become quite popular because of its non-aggressive style and
because it does not initiate or provoke attacks. To the contrary, the
force of the attacker is redirected into a series of throws or locks or
wrist twists.
Unlike other arts such as Jujitsu, Hapkido, or Tae
Kwon Do,
Aikido uses very few punches and kicks. Theoretically, the size,
weight, and physical strength of its practitioners only plays small
role. That fact is often contested and the art requires a tremendous
amount of practice and proficiency before becoming practical. The
principal goal of the skilled Aikido student is to redirect his or her
attacker's momentum while keeping the opponent in a constant state of
unbalance.
Like
Hapkido, aikido
developed principally from "daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu." This background
explains the similarity of many techniques between these arts, despite
the fact that the fundamental philosophies are very different. Although
jujitsu movements are prominent, many students argue that strongest
influences are drawn from kenjutsu.
Its
founder emphasized that
the martial arts do not only relate to self-defense techniques but can
instead play a major role in the enhancement of the student's moral and
spiritual development. Ueshiba argued that the martial arts could
eventually lead a student to place greater weight on the development
and achievement of peace and harmony, than on actual technique. Because
of this great emphasis mature aikido practitioners often remark that
their art should be better known as the way of harmony of the spirit.
While
it does include
some of these techniques, Aikido is not about punching or kicking art.
It's not however a static art. For a very well trained student of five
or ten years, it can prove a very effective means of self defense. This
based on the ability of the student to use the energy of their opponent
to gain control over them.
About
the Author
Jacob Lumbroso is a world traveler and an enthusiast for foreign
languages, history, and foreign cultures. He also is a music fanatic
and has a website where he provides information on Cheap
Electric Guitars and Used Electric Guitars.
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