| The study of martial arts has become increasingly | | | | energy rather than your own. This is much less |
| popular among people young and old, male and | | | | tiring than other forms of self-defense and also |
| female. This is because the practice is a holistic, | | | | presents a philosophical appreciation of life, even |
| whole body workout that does more than any | | | | of one who is trying to harm you. |
| simple cardiovascular or strength training routine | | | | History of Aikido |
| could do alone. In choosing the right practice for | | | | Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) founded the practice |
| you, the choices can be overwhelming. However, | | | | of Aikido. Ueshiba sought to combine his varied |
| one practice stands out from other combative | | | | martial arts training background with his personal |
| sports: Aikido. What makes this art unique? | | | | ideas on universal peace and reconciliation. The |
| Aikido Philosophy | | | | development was gradual, taking place during the |
| In the Encyclopedia of Aikido, Stanley Pranin | | | | late 1920s and 30s. It wasn't until 1942 that the |
| defines the word as a "way of combining forces." | | | | practice became known by its current name |
| He goes on to say that this force "refers to the | | | | Ueshiba's techniques are influenced from many |
| concept of blending physically and mentally with | | | | sources, including spear or short staff moves. The |
| the attacker [as well as] the perception and | | | | primary technical structure comes from kenjutsu, |
| nullification of an opponent's attack." | | | | or the art of swordsmanship. Different styles of |
| Therefore, the martial art Aikido is concerned not | | | | Aikido have arisen from Ueshiba's various |
| only with your personal safety and defense but | | | | students, with at least seven major styles |
| also with not injuring your attacker. By perceiving | | | | recognized. |
| (mentally) and then deflecting an attack | | | | Additionally, Ueshiba was influenced by a |
| (physically), you are able to use your attacker's | | | | neo-Shinto (animist) religion called Omoto-kyo. |