An Introduction To Aikido

Lets talk about Akido

It's a fact that Aikido is one of the most popular martial arts in America today. The art of Aikido is best associated with actor Steven Seagal, who popularized this art with his movies. Aikido has a rich history and fine traditions, an art that originally started in Japan back in the 1940s.

Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born on December 14, 1883. Ueshiba founded the martial art of Aikido by combining both his religious beliefs and his training in martial arts. At that time, the style was known as aikibudo, it wasn’t until 1942 that the name Aikido became popular. This style was quite different from others around at the time, incorporating several different styles of jujitsu, aiki-jujitsu, and spear and sword fighting techniques as well.

See a much younger Steven Seagal demonstrate his knowledge of Akido

Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the student "leads" with the attacker's momentum, using entering and turning movements. The technique uses joint locks, weight manipulation, and throws to achieve it’s purpose.  This martial art is very effective, which was the intentions of Ueshiba from the start. Aikido consists of many techniques, and it is the result of Ueshiba’s creative innovation.

Aside from what many think, there really is no unified belief or philosophy in the martial art of Aikido. While Aikido is indeed rich in heritage and religion, it believes in harmony and peace of the spirit. By achieving a higher spiritual power, Ueshiba has always believed that the human body is capable of anything.

There are different approaches to Akido and today aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques learned from Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.

Over the years, Aikido was introduced in America with amazing results. Steven Seagal is by far the most popular and well known practitioner in the limelight, showing the world the power and harmony of Aikido through his movies. Many martial arts dojo’s around North America that offer the study of this art, and quite possibly even some in your area.

Not only will Aikido teach you self defense, but it will also teach you harmony of the spirit and how to find inner peace as well.