The Diverse Concepts in the World of Aikido Articles | Self Esteem

By: Darren Williger

The merger of the cultures of the East and West along with other factors have lead to people discovering novel means of self-discipline. This self-discipline is primarily existent in martial arts like Aikido which have Japanese origins.

Knowing Aikido Aikido’s basic principle emphasizes restraint from the use of force. Aikido is seen as one of the martial arts that is the least aggressive. Aikido is largely popular because it refrains from provoking or initiating attacks. Aikido emphasizes the use of the attackers force and the redirection of such force into throws, locks and other different means of restraint. Little or no amount of kicking and punching is employed in Aikido. The art also pays no heed to the physical aspects of an individual during combat. Features such as size, age, weight and strength are irrelevant. What is relevant is that a skilled Aikido student knows how to direct the energy of their attacker and keep them unbalanced.

Aikido has a history that can be traced to the time when its founder Morihei Ueshiba discovered the art and developed the founding principles of Aikido. Morihei Ueshiba is also known as “O Sensei” or “Great Teacher” the translation in English, what he succeeded in developing was a martial art that employed the physical and useful elements of other martial arts such as “Kenjutsu” and “Jujitsu”. Aikido was derived from the branch of martial arts known as "Daitoryu Aiki-jujutsu" it also involves other different forms of training such as “yaru”, ”jo” and “juken” these terminologies stand for “spear”,” quarterstaff” and “bayonet” respectively.

When Ueshiba was done developing the minor and major parts of the art of Aikido, he also emphasized that martial arts was not restricted solely to the self-defense techniques of an individual but also had its part to play in the enhancement and development of the moral and spiritual aspects of an individual. This development would lead these individuals to place a greater emphasis in the creation of a feeling of harmony and peace. People who are skilled in the practice of Aikido claim that “harmony of the spirit” is one literal term that may be used to describe Aikido in English.

Aikido isn’t simply about kicking and punching and opponent and at the same time it isn’t a static art. As a martial art it is largely effective just because it makes sure that the person practicing the aikido uses the energy of their opponents in order to control them. Taking a closer look at Aikido will reveal that it is not solely a means of self-defense but a means of enlightenment as well. It is also a means of physical health and exercise and a means by which a person may gain peace of mind as well as concentration and serenity.

Different styles of Aikido emphasize a great emphasis and focus on the spiritual aspects of an individual to varying levels. Some of these levels may be greater or lesser but the primary idea is that the art was created in order to promote peace and harmony.