Know About The Modern Japanese Martial Art: Aikido

A modern Japanese martial art, Aikido is designed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's motive was to make an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves and at the same time protect their attacker from injuries. Aikido is often referred as "the way of unifying (with) vital energy" or as "the way of the harmonious spirit".

Ueshiba seniors have different approaches to aikido, depending in part on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found throughout the world in various styles, with wide ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most are concerned about the welfare of the attacker.

Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba, mentioned by some aikido practitioners as Ōsensei (Grand Master). The term aikido was coined in the 20th century. Ueshiba imagined aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's life and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the aiki that Ueshiba studied in a variety of expressions of martial artists from around the world.

Ueshiba developed aikido mainly from the late 1920s to the 1930s through the synthesis of the oldest martial arts he had studied. The main martial art from which aikido is derived is Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, which Ueshiba studied directly with Takeda Sōkaku, the revival of that art. In addition, it is known that Ueshiba studied Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū with Tozawa Tokusaburō in Tokyo in 1901, Gotōha Yagyū Shingan-ryū with Nakai Masakatsu in Sakai from 1903 to 1908, and judo with Kiyoichi Takagi in Tanabe in 1911.

The art of Daitō-ryū is the main technical influence on aikido. In addition to empty-handed throwing and joint locking techniques, Ueshiba incorporated training movements with weapons, such as those of the spear (yari), the short staff and perhaps the bayonet. However, aikido derives much of its technical structure from the art of fencing (kenjutsu).

Ueshiba moved to Hokkaidō in 1912 and began studying with Takeda Sokaku in 1915. His official association with Daitō-ryū continued until 1937. However, Ueshiba had already begun to distance himself from Takeda and the Daitō-ryū during the latter part of that period. At that time Ueshiba referred to his martial art as "Aiki Budō". It is not clear exactly when Ueshiba began to use the name "aikido", but it became the official name of the art in 1942 when the Great Society of Martial Virtue of Japan (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai) participated in a reorganization and centralization sponsored by the Government of Japan.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido