Aikido
Aikido (Shinjitai: ???, Kyujitai: ???, aikido, Japanese pronunciation: [aiki?do?]) is a modern Japanese martial art which is split into many different styles including Aikikai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 140 countries.[1]
It was originally developed by Morihei Ueshiba, as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art which practitioners could use to defend themselves against attacks, while also protecting the attackers from injury.[2][3] Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) life energy"[4] or as "the way of harmonious spirit".[5] According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness.[6] Morihei Ueshiba used the phrase "masakatsu agatsu katsuhayabi" (???????, "true victory, final victory over oneself, here and now") to refer to this principle.[7]
Aikido's fundamental principles include: irimi[8] (entering), atemi (strikes),[9][10] kokyu-ho (breathing control), sankaku-ho (triangular principle), and tenkan (turning) movements which redirect the opponent's attack momentum. Its curriculum comprises various techniques, primarily throws and joint locks.[11] It includes a weapons system encompassing the bokken, tanto, and jo. Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Omoto-kyo religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term aiki-jujutsu.[12]
Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending partly on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However they all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.
History
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (?? ??) (1883–1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as Osensei (Great Teacher).[14] The term aikido was coined in the 20th century.[15] Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the aiki that Ueshiba studied into a variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.[11]