About Aikido
Aikido Academy of Nebraska is an independent dojo and is dedicated to teaching
the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Because classes will be conducted in a traditional Japanese manner,
students will acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for the standards
of etiquette required in many Japanese martial art schools.
What is Aikido?
Whenever
I move, that's Aikido.
O Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his
title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'). On a purely physical level it is an art
involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some
throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on
punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain
control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but
places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement.
Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are
looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual
enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. O Sensei emphasized the moral
and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of
harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way that "Aikido"
may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although
different styles emphasize the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser
degrees. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and
harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art.
What are the different styles in Aikido?
There are no 'styles' of Aikido. It is like cheesecake. You can cut it
in wedges or squares or just dig in with your fork but it is still cheesecake!
One man, O Sensei, originally developed aikido. Many students who trained under
O Sensei decided to spread their knowledge of Aikido by opening their own dojos.
Due, among other things, to the dynamic nature of Aikido, different students of
O Sensei interpreted his Aikido in different ways. Thus different styles of
Aikido were born. The more common are listed here along with a brief explanation
of what is different about the style. Each style has its own strengths and
weaknesses, but all are firmly rooted in the basic concepts which make Aikido
the unique art that it is. None should be considered superior or inferior to any
other, but rather an individual must find a style which best suits him or her.
Outside factors such as geographic location may of course limit one's options.
No matter which style you choose, you are going to be taught that particular
instructors interpretation of it, and you yourself are going to develop your own
particular Aikido. One might say that there are as many different styles of
Aikido as there are practitioners.
Since this list is going to be challenging enough without looking for extra
work, we'll restrict our definition of Aikido to mean styles that clearly trace
their lineage to Ueshiba O Sensei. The classification into categories is fairly
arbitrary.
