What is Aikido
The Founder of Aikido, Ueshiba Morihei O-Sensei proclaimed that Aikido is a way, through daily training, to improve human nature and pursue social harmony. Aikido utilizes “Ki” (internal energy) and precise dynamic angles to throw an aggressor or complex joint locks to control an aggressor. Aikido blends and combine with an aggressor’s energy, movements and intentions to control the aggressor.
Physical Benefits
Aikido training helps to develop an individual's all-around physical fitness, flexibility, and relaxation. Aerobic fitness is developed through high intensity training. Flexibility of the joints and connective tissues is developed through various stretching exercises and through the techniques themselves. Relaxation is learned automatically, since without it the techniques will not function. The use of the entire body enables practitioners to execute techniques regardless of age, sex or size.
Self Defence
In Japan, Aikido is used for instruction of the elite Tokyo Metropolitan Riot Police. Aikido techniques can be applied at varying levels of severity, from the most gentle controlling techniques to the most severe countermeasures. Aikido is therefore ideal for application to a wide range of defensive situations, including law-enforcement/security/corrections, medical/mental-health environments, civilian self-defense, women’s self-defense, and children’s self- defense.
Self Development
In Japan, Budo ("the Martial Way") is seen as not only suited for combat but also for the refinement and development of character. The virtues outlined in Bushido ("the way of the Warrior") – integrity, respect, courage, honour, compassion, honesty and loyalty – are also the ideal qualities of any human being. In this way, the Japanese martial tradition has always stressed the applicability of martial principles to daily life. These traditions today are carried on in the martial arts like Aikido. Everything in Aikido training is meant to develop not only a physically strong individual, but one with the wisdom and energy to positively benefit society. A true martial artist views conflict not merely as a contest with others, but as an opportunity to forge oneself and overcome our true enemy, ourselves.
Socialising
Our dojo consists of a group of like-minded individuals from all walks of life who are looking to improve themselves through the practice of Aikido. Practicing Aikido is a cooperative activity and we find that meeting and training regularly leads to the development of personal bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
