Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art and often translated as “the way of unifying life energy” or “way of harmonious spirit”. All techniques will focus on blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force by using entering and turning movements. It requires a very little physical energy and the techniques are completed with various of throws and joint locks.

The word of 'aikido' is formed from three Kanji:-

合 - ai - joining, unifying, harmonizing
気 - ki - spirit, life energy
道 - dō - way, path

(Morehei Ueshiba, 14 Dec 1883 - 26 April 1969)

Who is Morehei Ueshiba?

• Born in 14 December 1883.
• Founder of Japanese Martial Arts of Aikido
• Well-known as Osensei (Great Teacher)
• He has learned several martial arts and keep searching the real Budo before he finally met Sokaku Takeda Sensei who taught Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.
• Based on record, Ueshiba said that Sokaku Takeda has opened his eyes about the real Budo
• He taught Aiki-jujutsu after he earned his teaching license from Sokaku Takeda Sensei.
• His early form of training is more focusing on strikes to the vital point and
  his top student is Gozo Shioda, Kenji Tamiki, Noriaki Inoue, Minoru Mochizuki, Morihiro Saito.
• After Ueshiba grew older, more skilled, more spiritual, his art becomes softer. Striking become less important and his greater expression of art is Kokyu-nage or "breathe of throws".
• Kokyu-nage is soft and blending which bring a meaning of utilizing the opponent's movement in order to throw them.
• The real birth of aikido - Ueshiba have a several spiritual awakening experiences.
• He died in April 26, 1969 carried by overwhelming cancer.
  

Definitions:

**Budo - is a compound of root Bu, meaning war or martial; and do, meaning path or way.

**Aiki-jujutsu – it is a form of jujutsu which bring a literally meaning “art of softness” or known as collective name for Japanese Martial Arts styles. Aiki-jujutsu emphasizes throwing techniques and joins manipulations to effectively control.

**Daito-ryu – “Great Eastern School”

Note: Aikido is one of my interests. Based on reading, I'll try to simplify and write more about it. To be continued..