Aikido and Related Arts

Aikido & Related Arts

Most Eastern martial arts tend to have a profound connection to culture and beliefs requiring extreme discipline and commitment. Constant warfare diluted these beliefs as the martial arts focussed on the "fighting" skills.

Today, these arts have survived by engaging in competition and showmanship. The true meaning of martial arts is virtually gone but somehow Aikido has managed to retain the essence of budo. Even the term "aikido" means the way of harmony, peace, and love. It allows one to look past the physical techniques and explore a deeper concept. This is why there is no "contest" in Aikido. Training is not about winning but working with a partner to mutually discover and create. 

Now this can be confusing, especially, when making comparisons, with the more dynamic martial arts, particularly its effectiveness. Aikido declares that we must also protect our enemy and that one should act with proper decorum. The techniques of Aikido only work on understanding the enemy and knowledge of budo.  These techniques will hone, confidence, awareness, and perception.

So, basically one can utilize the “martial” in the art and indeed apply it, but in truth, we need to focus on the underlying principles and what they really mean. It also helps to define the “AI” and its relationship to Ki. 

Aikido offers no resistance but blends with an opposing force and redirects the energy. It utilizes balance, posture, and circular movement - all done in a calm and centered demeanor. 

In conclusion, this blog entices the reader to look deeper into the philosophy that binds the martial arts, and also why Aikido has such a profound existence in the annals of martial arts.