Aikido
is a traditional Japanese martial art that traces its roots to the ancient art of ju-jitsu as well as sword fighting. Developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), usually referred to as "O-Sensei" ("Great Teacher"), Aikido is a highly dynamic defensive art that focuses on using an attacker's own size and force against him. As a result, Aikido is a highly effective form of self-defense that does not require great size or strength on the part of the practitioner, and can therefore be learned and practiced by men and women of virtually any size or age.
Aikido has a significant spiritual component as well.
"Aikido" can be translated as "The Way of Harmony with the Universe" and O-Sensei placed great weight on the training of mind and body and particularly on the development of harmony and peace as key components of the art. For the typical Aikido practitioner, this emphasis translates into numerous opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement, including mental focus, physical and mental discipline, general awareness and self-confidence.
There are no competitions or "sparring" in Aikido. Instead, Aikido training is highly cooperative, with more advanced practitioners partnering with and helping more junior students learn techniques at a pace commensurate with the abilities of each trainee.
Aikido is a highly effective form of self-defense. The power of Aikido lies in its ability to harness and redirect the force of an attacker, allowing the practitioner to execute powerful techniques without possessing great size or strength.
It is often being touted as the most difficult martial art, because it is so easy and lots of people overcomplicate it by using their power, making it only more difficult for themselves to learn the art of Aikido.
Antonio Gummels is a physical therapist at » PhysioFit in Cay Hill/personal trainer/strength and conditioning coach/ Ajktdo instructor and can be reached at: Tel; 581-5090 or e-mail: antoniogummels@yahoo.com or physiofit@sintmaarten.net.
Website: www.allisonWilliams.net
