In the modern world, there are many martial arts. Most of them have an ancient history, inextricably linked with the traditions of the East. One of the most mysterious and interesting types of wrestling is aikido. This is a primordially Japanese martial art. In our article we will consider the principles and essence of this martial art. We will try to give an exhaustive answer to the question: "Aikido struggle - what is it?"
Wording
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that combines several types of ancient techniques of struggle and self-defense. Among them are aikijitsu, the art of fencing with spears and swords, aiki-jutsu, ju-jutsu, etc.
Aikido is not an Olympic sport, it does not hold competitions and championships, so humanity knows little about this art, which harmoniously combines physical and spiritual practices.
For reference
Popular in the West, as well as in our country, the film actor Stephen Seagal is the owner of the seventh dan in Aikido. This is the highest rank in this martial arts, meaning that Segal possesses it perfectly. At one time, he spent many years in Japan, where he studied this type of martial arts and even had his own school, which was located in Tokyo.
History of Aikido
Aikido is a relatively young kind of martial arts. Its founder Morihei Ueshiba was born in 1883. And the year of birth of aikido can be considered the 1925th. As a child, Morihei was sickly and frail. This prompted him to study martial arts. The guy was so carried away by the practical development of ancient martial arts that he did not notice how from a weak child he turned into a man with iron muscles, flexibility, like a panther, and unlimited endurance.
Ueshiba wandered around Japan for a long time in an effort to find the best teachers and eagerly adopted their knowledge and experience. After 20 years of training, he gained the glory of the invincible. None of the rivals could defeat him. And although the athlete's body was in perfect shape, the soul of Morihei still could not find peace. Then he plunged even deeper into philosophical and religious teachings. The result was the opening of their own school called Aikikai in 1925, which was the beginning of the development of aikido.
The creator of martial art very carefully treated his brainchild. Considering aikido to be a powerful weapon, he hid it from the eyes of people and taught only a small group of verified persons at his school. And only after the end of World War II, Aikido was "released into the wild." Japan was then in a deplorable state, and Ueshiba decided that a new martial art could help the confused and oppressed fellow countrymen to gain faith in themselves and their country.
What is aikido: the essence of aikido and its philosophy
If you try to briefly formulate the essence of aikido, then we can say that it consists in the harmony of movements and breathing, body and mind, as well as a complete rejection of personal ambitions.
The movements are natural, simple and devoid of aggression. They are not aimed at attack, but at defense. The body of the fighter during the fight should be as relaxed as possible, and the mind - tense. It was Ueshib who assigned the main role in his teaching to the mind, consciousness, and spirit. If most martial arts are based on brute physical strength, then in this case all emphasis is on the soft power of the mind.
Aikido is a martial art that does not set a goal to win. After all, victory is a relative substance. It does not benefit anyone, only caresses pride. Today you win, and tomorrow you. Aikido believes that this makes no sense.
Adherents of the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba do not attack and do not fight back, do not respond with aggression. They seem to "persuade" the enemy to abandon their evil intentions, redirecting his forces in a safe direction.
But in order to achieve such results, one must have the highest level of development. Therefore, the main goal of aikido fighters is to conquer themselves. To prevail over one’s own weaknesses, to rise above the material world into the world of spiritual heights.
The whole history of mankind is riddled with wars and conflicts. According to Ueshiba, this is the result of ambition and the desire to win at any cost. Man, beast, nature ... Someone gives up and loses. Someone develops fighting qualities and wins. But there will always be a new aggressor who will make today's winner a loser. This is the basis of human life and most martial arts are based.
The philosophy of Aikido is different. It boils down to being equal to nature, in which there are no conflicts, but harmony and love reign. The creator of this martial art believed that his brainchild could change humanity - make him happy.
Aikido Technique
In this kind of martial arts there are no offensive tricks. In the technical arsenal of captures, throws, maneuvers, withdrawals from the attack line. There are also several types of attacks, but they are more likely to be distracting than attacking. Aikido master studies the movements of the enemy and decides what he will do the next moment. He uses the energy of the attacker and puts him in an uncomfortable position with his actions. Thus, the enemy’s attack is destroyed, he has to come up with something new.
How is the name deciphered?
The word "aikido" consists of three characters, each of which reflects a piece of the essence of martial art. So, “ah” is harmony and true love. Ki means spirit, inner energy. And “do” translates as a path. It turns out that aikido is a spiritual path to harmony.
The versatility of this martial arts
In the generally accepted understanding, this type of martial arts can not be called sports. Someone may say about aikido: "What kind of sport is it if there are no winners, no losers, no competitions?" All this is true. But his followers do not strive for worldly recognition in the form of titles, cups and diplomas. They have completely different priorities and tasks. Moreover, if only a person of a certain age and physical development can become an athlete, then the skill of aikido with its simple and natural movements is available to absolutely everyone. And the child, and the woman, and the old man. To defeat yourself, you need only one thing - desire.
Aikido Principles
Answer the question: "Aikido struggle - what is it?" - The principles of this martial art will help. Among them are the following:
- Relaxation and continuity of movement.
- Constant muscle control.
- The correct work of the hands.
- Concentration of will.
- Self confidence.
- Ability to work in a group.
- Ability to protect oneself.
- Gradual training - from simple to complex.
- Classes in a good mood.
Aikido aikikai
Aikido Aikikai is an international organization of aikido art that was officially recognized by the Japanese government in the 40s of the last century.
After the death of Morihei Ueshiba, she was led by the son of Teacher Kissemaru. And to this day, the Ueshiba dynasty rules Aikido Aikikai. She tries to keep the teaching in its original form. Aikikai is a classic version of aikido.
The headquarters of the organization and the main training base are located in Tokyo. The center of all world branches of Aikido Aikikai is the eponymous fund. Its head and head of the training center is Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. The Aikido Aikikai Foundation provides methodological support to various organizations of this martial art, examines athletes and issues certificates. No one else, except him, has the right to do so.