| In Japan Aikido is often called the "art of peace", this is | | | | When we are constantly in a state of defense and |
| because the martial art recommends a peaceful | | | | fear we tend to be too busy to concentrate and thus |
| solution for any conflict or form of aggression. Aikido is | | | | we can be distracted easily. This fact is taught in |
| practiced in a dojo where students can easily learn | | | | Aikido which also insists that its students remain calm |
| about flexibility an adaptation. These are the ultimate | | | | and focused in the face of an assault. By being calm |
| results of the manner than Aikido students try to | | | | you have an advantage over your aggressors |
| achieve. Relaxation and calm are taught in Aikido | | | | because you remain focused and you can't easily be |
| because Aikido is primarily about practice and following | | | | toppled or thrown. Advanced techniques in Aikido also |
| through with the principles of philosophy as well as | | | | teach you how to fall properly and rebound easily in |
| spirituality. Masters and instructors of the art of Aikido | | | | order to plan a counter attack as you rise. |
| teach people in the art that the Ki or energy only flows | | | | Other than combat and the dojo, Aikido masters also |
| to its complete potential when the human body is | | | | focus on the cultivation and developments of spirituality |
| completely relaxed. Ki is recognized as a very basic | | | | and character within Aikido students. By doing this they |
| and yet powerful force. | | | | teach Aikido students to employ the principles of the |
| Superiority in strength and muscular abilities often | | | | art of Aikido in their everyday lives. By understanding |
| hinders the Ki. Aikido focuses on flexibility and | | | | Aikido properly they also gain better performance not |
| endurance rather than the development of strength | | | | only in the dojo but outside it as well. |
| and muscular features. In order to make use of the | | | | In life having Aikido as an element of your daily routine |
| power of the Ki, this energy must be permitted to flow. | | | | promotes a certain peace and calm that helps you |
| This energy will also only flow when the person is in a | | | | overcome even the toughest of all that life throws at |
| relaxed state. Unlike muscles you cannot build this | | | | you. Aikido teaches its students that they should be |
| relaxed state through exercise. A certain spiritual | | | | flexible and they should also adapt and remain calm at |
| journey is required by all Aikido students so that they | | | | all times. These are the means with which you can be |
| can have the peace and calm that is essential during | | | | able to cope with the rigors of life. |
| combat. | | | | |