| There are many 1,000's of women training in the | | | | There are a growing number of teachers who, |
| art of Aikido, as the techniques do not rely on | | | | although not very interested in the martial |
| physical strength for their effectiveness. There | | | | technical side of the art, are exploring new areas |
| are also women in Aikido because it is never used | | | | and providing great insight into the connection |
| for aggressive purposes, and provides a very | | | | between physical technique and the spiritual side |
| powerful means of self-defense, without the use | | | | of training. Many of them are female instructors, |
| of muscle strength. | | | | Aikido women, who have run dojos for years and |
| Regular training in aikido has many physical and | | | | have a great depth of teaching experience, often |
| mental health benefits. The basic movements are | | | | bringing students into the art who would never |
| particularly good for developing the core muscles | | | | have been interested in training in the more |
| and for lower body strength, but also good for | | | | macho world of traditional martial arts. |
| improving stamina, over-all muscle tone and for | | | | Of course, there are many Aikido women who |
| developing a leaner physique. | | | | have successfully trained hard with men. Pat |
| Students are encouraged to study at their own | | | | Hendricks, Mary Heiny, Lorraine Dianne, Patty |
| pace, and by studying aikido in a relaxed | | | | Saotome, etc. All managed to get ahead in a male |
| atmosphere, are able to learn faster, and leave | | | | dominated hierarchy of Aikido, but this isn't how |
| feeling positive, energised and revitalised. | | | | women measure their worth or level of success. |
| There are many amazing Aikido women practising | | | | Women are generally more interested in the social |
| and teaching the art of Aikido. But, it seems that | | | | aspect of the art than the martial side. The |
| there are few women in positions of power. In | | | | connection between dojo members is usually |
| fact, there are no female instructors who have | | | | created through the efforts of groups of female |
| regularly taught at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, and | | | | students rather than male. They are far better at |
| it's difficult to find any woman acting as head of | | | | helping students who are emotionally damaged or |
| dojo in Japan. | | | | are physically less confident. |
| When you look further afield, you will see a large | | | | The Aikido women instructors, many who have |
| female presence teaching the art, but, the | | | | over thirty years of experience in both training |
| leadership of nearly all Aikido organizations is | | | | and teaching, often find themselves down a rank |
| usually male. Aikido Women often have many | | | | or two below their equally experienced male |
| responsibilities, and are indispensable to the various | | | | counter-parts. You may come across many dojo's |
| associations and organizations, but they mainly | | | | that place male students at the top of the |
| support the male leadership. | | | | technical and hierarchical heap while the women |
| Aikido women are often at the forefront when | | | | students do all of the organizational and |
| teaching a balanced view of Aikido. Yes, practical | | | | administrative work, that actually keeps it all going. |
| self defense is very important, but the real aim is | | | | Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, saw the |
| the community connection, harmony and world | | | | essential mission, as bringing people together. |
| peace. | | | | People may have exceptional talents teaching |
| Since the practice of Aikido is usually performed | | | | children, they may be nurturing to those of us |
| empty handed, stronger, younger, and more | | | | who have been damaged in various ways. We will |
| aggressive practitioners have an advantage, in | | | | find individuals who have great insight into the |
| terms of overcoming their partners. But, Aikido is | | | | spiritual side, but not the practical or martial |
| actually about overcoming yourself! | | | | aspects. |
| Morihei Ueshiba said "True Victory is Self Victory" | | | | Top Instructors should aim to develop a new |
| which is not about how to defeat someone else, | | | | generation of instructors both male and female, |
| but how to defeat your inner demons or ego. So | | | | young and old, who are empowered to explore all |
| the true aim is to help yourself and others to be | | | | aspects of Aikido, and should be supported in |
| at peace. | | | | following their visions. This way Aikido can grow |
| The Dan system of grading was originally set up | | | | to a level to be of great benefit to the world |
| to ensure that a quality level was maintained in | | | | community. |
| the art. The real problem was that it tended to | | | | Aikido women can help lead us all to world peace! |
| focus on only the technical, martial side of the art. | | | | |