What is Aikido
“Way of peace and harmony of the spirit”
From the battlegrounds of feudal Japan, aikido is a martial art that was developed to allow unarmed samurai a chance to defend themselves against a sword. It was further developed and refined in the1920’s and 30’s by Ueshiba Morihei O’Sensei(Great Teacher).
Aikido is noted for its non aggressive approach to self-defence. Aikido does not depend on strength. Aikido practitioners seek to control rather than damage opponents. To a casual observer, aikido looks a little like judo or jujitsu – but it isn’t.
Aikido’s basic principle is to utilize your opponent’s power to control them in a submission lock, pin or a throw. Rather than overcoming an aggressor with brute force, aikido relies on the power of circular movements, through which an opponent’s attack or momentum can be redirected against them.
Because aikido does not depend on strength, it is suitable for men and women, young or old.
Aikido is useful not only for self defence, but it also trains and disciplines the mind, body and spirit. Aikido facilitates a lifestyle that is healthy and well balanced:
- Developing stamina and improving fitness, health and general well being
- Improving reflexes, balance and coordination and helps to prevent fall injuries
- Enhancing confidence, self esteem, discipline and respect
- Increasing focus and concentration
- Relieving stress
Yoshinkan Aikido
Yoshinkai: “House of the cultivating spirit”
Yoshinkan Aikido, the system of aikido founded by Ueshiba Sensei’s noted student Shioda Gozo Sensei, is taught exclusively to the Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police, and is now available in Canberra.
Yoshinkan Aikido is noted for its non aggressive approach to self-defence. It is also about spreading harmony and peace through the practice of our Art.
The founder of Yoshinkan Aikido, Shioda Sensei, remarked that:
“These days, the differences of ideology, the confrontation of races and conflict between nations, leads to numerous problems from the destruction of the environment to economic friction. All opposition or antagonism leads to greater conflict.A premise of Aikido is the avoidance of rivalry or any form of opposition. If the people of the world would make an effort to learn how to avoid dissension through the practice of Aikido, I am sure that mankind could realise genuine unification. Therefore, we as instructors must do our best to gain this ideal.”
Shioda Gozo Soke – Founder of Yoshinkan Aikido Aikido (1915-1994)
Inoue Kyoichi Sensei (10th degree black belt) demonstrating Yoshinkan Aikido on Darren Friend Shihan Sensei (6th degree black belt), Chief Instructor of Aikido Yoshinkai NSW (AYNSW)
Peggy Woo Sensei (5th degree black belt), AYNSW Senior Instructor