| Aikido is an original martial art that isn't competitive or | | | | universal energy. The method he used was through |
| violent. The techniques do not require physical strength | | | | the power of sound vibrations. Every day he chanted |
| or aggressive spirit and can be practised by people of | | | | the pure Kotodama sounds to develop his spiritual |
| all ages. The benefits include - self defence skills, | | | | powers. |
| discipline, breath control, relaxation, flexibility, stamina, | | | | Some of his most prominant students, who became |
| speed, power, health and harmony, etc. | | | | Masters... Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Koichi Tohei, Gozo |
| Using circular movement an attackers energy can be | | | | Shioda, Morihiro Saito, Rinjiro Shirata, Michio Hikitsuchi, |
| returned to them using a variety of methods to break | | | | Kanshu Sunadomari, and many more. |
| the balance, or cause pain and submission, without | | | | Moriteru Ueshiba (son of Kisshomaru, grandson of |
| injury. In time after focused training, you'll develop an | | | | Morihei), continues to promote the art to the World |
| inner calm that can be carried into your daily life. Aikido | | | | from the Hombu Dojo in Japan. The Aikido population |
| is a key to living naturally and unselfishly in a complex | | | | keeps growing every year due to the excellent work |
| world. | | | | of the Masters and their dedicated students. |
| The teachings tell you that the one point in your lower | | | | DAILY PRACTISE - THE PATH TO MASTERY |
| abdomen is the centre of your universe wherever you | | | | In essence, aikido is more philosophy and meditation |
| go. Keeping your mind concentrated on this point | | | | than a series of physical movements, but through |
| causes relaxation along with the ability to respond fast. | | | | mind-body exercises you can gain an understanding of |
| AIKIDO FOUNDER | | | | the art and learn how it can be applied to your life. |
| Master Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei (great master | | | | It can help turn obstacles into opportunities and allow |
| 1883-1969) was known as one of the World's greatest | | | | you to transform stress, tension, anxiety and pain into |
| martial artists. Although invincible as a warrior, Morihei | | | | vital life-force energy. This can be achieved if you |
| was above all a spiritual man of peace who detested | | | | devote some time and energy to daily training. |
| violence. | | | | Many of the amazing exercises can be practised at |
| After mastering many arts including judo, kendo and | | | | any time, wherever you stand on the planet Earth. |
| jujutsu, along with his profound spiritual insight into the | | | | During your training you will learn that the battle is not |
| nature of the universe, he created aikido, an original | | | | outside of you, but within. The wisdom and benefits |
| martial art based on universal principles of nature. | | | | received from hard training are many... martial skill, |
| Morihei taught the art of peace as a mind-body | | | | health, harmony, enlightenment etc. |
| discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression, | | | | It is far more than another fighting style, it is an |
| and as a way of life that develops bravery, wisdom, | | | | approach to life that Morihei Ueshiba described as... |
| love and friendship. He believed that aiki principles of | | | | " A divine path inspired by the gods that leads to truth, |
| reconciliation, harmony and co-operation could be | | | | goodness and beauty " |
| applied to all challenges that you will face in life. | | | | Morihei demonstrated physically his divine technique, |
| Although the art began in Japan, it was meant to be a | | | | that was in harmony with nature and the universe. |
| gift for all humankind. Morihei Ueshiba was often | | | | Aikido students are familiar with amazing photo's and |
| described as being the most religious person in Japan, | | | | films of Morihei as an old man, easily defeating his |
| and in his later years, spent much of his time in study | | | | much younger opponents. |
| and prayer. | | | | You can take that step onto the path of Aikido... it is |
| O'Sensei based his skills on his ability to tune into | | | | the way of harmony and peace. |