What is Aikido?
The text written here reflects my personal perspective, developed over approximately 20 years of practicing Aikido, so it might differ from the general view of Aikido.
- Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba. His ideas are unique and difficult to explain in words. However, I believe that it’s possible to understand his philosophy through the techniques of Aikido. Some may speak of him as if he had supernatural powers, but the image of him that emerges through the direct disciples of the founder is one of a person who pursued Aikido in a very logical and scientific manner.
2. What is Aikido?
In his book on Aiki Budo, Morihei Ueshiba talks about what Aikido is. His writing, filled with religious terms from Omoto-kyo, is cryptic to the modern reader, and difficult to grasp without practicing Ueshiba’s Aikido. It’s complex for me as well, but in my own words, Aikido is a physical law. While modern martial arts and sports like judo are governed by rules set by humans, where adapting to these rules is a critical factor in winning or losing, Aikido is governed not by man-made rules but by the laws of physics, resulting in its unique system of techniques.
Therefore, Aikido techniques are constantly tested for correctness, and if found to be incorrect or impractical, they are always subject to revision. In other words, the techniques practiced in dojos that inherit Ueshiba’s philosophy are continually tested and evolved.
The concept of “Aiki” spoken about in Aikido originally comes from the idea in swordsmanship of creating a state where one can move simultaneously with the opponent. By the time the opponent initiates an attack, you are already not there, making it impossible for the attack to land.
