AIKIDO: The Harmonious Way of Resolving Conflict Through the Proper Blending of Mind, Body & Spirit.

Bob Classen (Suffolk Aikikai)
eclasen@optonline.net

Although most Americans generally think of all martial arts as being aggressive forms of self defense, this perception is largely based on the fictionalized portrayals of the martial arts shown in popular movies and television programs. The drama created by the fantastic fight scenes and mortal combat makes for great entertainment and allows us to escape from the sometimes mundane reality of everyday life. The problem with this stark portrayal of the martial arts, however, is not only that it is unrealistic but it reinforces the notion that disputes should be resolved by confrontation, if not brute force. In order to live a more harmonious and less stressful life, however, we should not adopt belligerent or unyielding and inflexible positions to counter acts of aggression. This is true whether we are dealing with verbal or physical altercations. Rather, we should assume the mind, body and spirit of an Aikidoist.

Aikido may be one of the most modern and enlightened but least known of the traditional martial arts. It was developed by a spiritual master of the Japanese martial arts named Morihei Ueshiba (who is generally referred to simply as O Sensei or great teacher) in the 1920's and 1930's. O Sensei was greatly dismayed by the blind ambitions and blatant aggression of Japan's military leaders at the time who evidenced a reckless disregard for human life rather than honoring the historical spirit of the samurai of showing compassion for others and protecting all life. Although the term "Aikido" has slightly different translations, it is derived from the words "Ai" (a joining or blending), "ki" (energy or the spiritual essence of life or of the universe), and "do" (path or way). Loosely translated, therefore, Aikido means "the way or path or harmony,' and it is a philosophy or way of life that extends far beyond its physical practice. The principles that are learned while studying Aikido have general application for dealing with conflicts that arise in life outside the dojo (a martial arts school).

Aikido is a purely defensive martial art without any focused punches, kicks or other strikes (though there are distracting strikes known as "atemi"). The art is based on the guiding principle that you should never intentionally injure someone and that you should only apply that degree of force needed to subdue an attacker. Aikido is based on circular movements that emanate from a person's center. A strike or attack is not met with a block or other form of resistance. Rather, the aikidoist steps off the line of the attack and joins his energy or ki with that of the attacker (who is referred to as an uke) and he or she then redirects the strike through the use of proper timing, balance and circular or spiral movement. The attackers's own ki or momentum and the power of centrifugal force and gravity are then used to take him or her down with either a throw or a shoulder, arm or hand pin. (If a "pin" is used, this is usually accomplished with some type of joint manipulation.) Due to these combined energies and the laws of physics, the more aggressive the attack, the more force that is generated by the encounter, and the greater the likelihood that the attacker will be injured. A descriptive analogy is that the movements of an aikidoist is similar to the calm and serene eye at the center of a hurricane.

Since Aikido is based on proper technique and is not a contest of strength, the size of the attacker should not matter if it is done properly. This also means that Aikido can be practiced by almost anyone over 14 years of age who is relatively healthy. An aikidoist must remain neutral and flexible as there is no one correct response to an attack. Since there are many types of strikes and an attack may come from any direction, an aikidoist must be able to respond to any situation that arises. Accordingly, many different techniques must be learned and perfected through regular training. In addition, the designated attacker or uke must learn how to move, fall and roll properly to avoid injury (a process known as taking "ukemi"). Aikidoists also normally practice in pairs and they take turns in being the attacker and then the person who is performing the techniques (who is referred to as the "nage"). At times, however, aikidoists use multiple attackers to better hone their skills (a practice known as rendori). Many Aikido techniques are also based on ancient samurai sword and knife disarming techniques. Thus, wooden weapons (including the sword/bokken, pole/jo, and knife/tanto) are occasionally used to help aikidoists become more well rounded.

Significantly, there are no competitions or "sparring" matches in Aikido. In this regard, the concept of "winners" and "losers" is an anathema to Aikido. The purpose of studying Aikido is not to prove that you are tougher or better than someone else or to defeat an adversary. Such attitudes only encourages aggression and conflict. The goal of Aikido is to teach people to respect each other and to provide them with the confidence and skills needed to either avoid conflict or to properly defend oneself in the unlikely event that they are physically attacked. By applying the Aikido principles of non-aggression and avoiding direct confrontations, you can live a more harmonious and self-confident life. Moreover, the practice of Aikido is great physical exercise that will help to keep you well conditioned and the shared experience of training generally leads to warm comraderie between Aikidoists.

The most important aspect of studying Aikido is choosing a dojo and sensei (or instructor) that you feel comfortable with. In this regard, the teaching styles of various senseis may vary somewhat and you should pick a dojo that feels right to you. In addition, there are many independent dojos that are not affiliated with any official Aikido organization and their senseis may teach a mixture of various martial arts and fail to stress the fundamental principles of Aikido. On Long Island, there are several Aikido dojos that are affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation, including Suffolk Aikikai in Patchogue with Sensei Gene Monteleone and his wife, Deborah, Suffolk Institute for Eastern Studies in St. James with Senseis Howard Pashenz and Edgar Kahn, and Aikido of Nassau County in Lynbrook with Senseis Joe Nemeth and Cliff Marcus. For those interested in learning more about the history and art of Aikido, as well as the teachings of its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, there are many excellent books and DVDs available online and at local bookstores. Among others, I recommend that you read "Aikido and the Harmony of Nature" by Sensei Mitsugi Saotome (who studied directly under the tutelage of O Sensei), which provided the inspiration for this article. The study of Aikido is not only an effective means of self-defense but it may help you to live a more harmonious and less contentious life.

The author of this article recently passed his shodan test and has been awarded a first degree black belt by the United States Aikido Federation.