Aikido is a dynamic martial art form imported from Japan created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), also known as O’ Sensei or "great teacher." The word "Aikido" is actually a combination of three words. "Ai" means to be in harmony or accord with; "Ki" is a word meaning life force or universal natural energy; "Do" simply means a way or method of doing something. Therefore, Aikido is “The Way of Harmony with the Universal Life Force.”

The wisdom of O’ Sensei can be found and experienced directly through practice of the movements he created. The purpose of Aikido is to teach us how to harmonize with all persons, places and situations. By performing the powerful, circular, flowing techniques of Aikido we learn focus, timing, balance and how to center ourselves in an ever-changing environment. We can become more attuned to the energy and rhythms within ourselves and to those around us. The practice of Aikido fosters personal and social harmony.

Though the primary purpose of Aikido is not self-defense, it can be very effective for personal protection. Through sincere practice, one gains great internal power and knowledge of the power of movement. Aikido techniques do not rely upon physical strength, and are defensive in nature. In fact, the mission of Aikido in a self-defense situation is to create peace from violence. Obviously, without an assault there is no need for a defense.

The aim of Aikido technique is control, not destruction. Whatever physical energy or momentum an assailant brings to you is what you in turn, use against the attacker(s). While training, we strive to maintain a balanced mind and body, and explore attitudes and techniques that can keep us from harm and from causing harm to others.

We do not train for competitions or in anticipation of some future event. We train because we enjoy the nature of Aikido movement. It's fun! Aikido is more than merely just another martial art form; it's a philosophy and a way of life. It is a martial art with the emphasis on the word “art.”

Although O 'Sensei is the recognized founder of Aikido, he created the art by incorporating many methods from a number of disciplines that he mastered during early life. He studied Kito Ryu Jujutsu under Tokusaburo Tojawa, Sensei (1901); Yagyu Ryu Kenjutsu under Masakatsu Nakai, Sensei (1903); Daito Ryu Aikijutsu under Sakaku Takeda (1911); Shinkage Ryu Jujutsu (1922); Yarijutsu (1924); and several others assorted martial ways. O’ Sensei also studied Zen Buddhism under Priest Mitsujo Fujimoto of the Shingon School at the Jizo Jinja (1890), and Shinto practices under Onisaburo Deguchi of the Omoto Kyo (1918). All of his studies were incorporated into the art he later named "Aikido."

Virtually all Aikido techniques share common ideas and basic principles. Koichi Tohei, Sensei taught the four basic principles of maintaining center (hara), relaxing completely, keeping weight underside, and remaining calm. These ideas are very important to always keep in mind, especially while training. However, there are other things that may help:

Ø Always maintain your natural posture, both physically and emotionally. Keep your emotions under control.

Ø Have a feeling of expansive Ki.

Ø Flood the space between your center and the area around you (also known as your "personal space") with Ki.

Ø To do a technique successfully (without force), you must upset Uke's natural posture and raise him off his center. By doing this, you deprive him of his physical strength, which comes from his connection to the ground.

Ø Move freely, without excessive thought. As in “The Last Samurai:” “No Mind.”

Ø Use your vision in a global fashion-Don’t stare at any one thing-Look beyond your attacker so that you see all of his movement as well as the movement of other attackers that might come at you.

Ø There is no Uke/Nage duality in a technique. They are elements of the same thing like Yin/Yang.

Ø Take control of, or redefine the centerline. Either enter in, off the line of attack, or turn to create a new centerline.

Ø A technique must be done as a definitive statement, not a tentative question. Complete the technique, even if it's not what you meant to do.

Ø All motion should be relaxed with a casual mind, but still highly focused.

Ø Never collide with Uke, go around his or her strength instead. If when attempting a technique you feel the need to overcome resistance, you are colliding in some way.

Ø Do no intentional harm. Aikido is not about win-lose situations. Aikido is about harmony. When we're in harmony, we all win.

Ø Uke must offer a sincere "attack" for Nage to work with. Since the nature of Aikido is defensive, without a sincere attack there is no point to defending against nothing.

Most techniques have the above listed "principles" in common. Aside from directional variations, all Aikido techniques are really the same. From an attack, there is an entry, a blending stage to gain control, and a conclusion (resulting in ukemi of some kind). There are many names for the techniques, but they ALL involve these principles.

To learn Aikido, you need to practice with a qualified instructor. By "qualified,” we mean someone capable of teaching others. The unimportant aspects of a "qualified" instructor are: Affiliations to major Aikido organizations, rank from major Aikido organizations, high level black belt ranking (this applies to all martial arts), amazing technical skill, multiple decades on the mat, or the ability to advertise and write a binding contract. None of the above factors is any indication of the ability to teach. For example, if you've been to college, how many of your professors, the ones with all those letters after their names (i.e. M.A., Ph.D., J.D., etc.), could actually teach anybody anything? At Park City Aiki-Systema we attempt to teach every student with compassion and understanding.

A good instructor is simply someone who can effectively teach. The instructor needs to have patience with others, understanding, the ability to communicate ideas and movements, the knowledge of what correct Aikido looks and feels like, and what it's capable of (the self-defense effectiveness of the techniques being practiced), a high degree of self-control, and the ability to make others feel confident and empowered. A good instructor must be able to remember what it feels like to be on the mat for the first time.

Whatever school or "style" you practice with, remember that Aikido must be experienced physically, emotionally and cognitively. You must practice with total sincerity. Do not try to understand and rationalize everything from the beginning. As your abilities improve, O’ Sensei's teachings will reveal themselves through practice. You must literally learn by doing. Books, videos and lectures are fine supplements to training, however Aikido is designed to be learned through constant, on-going, sincere practice. Find a good Dojo with a good instructor and keep training. Aikido is a lifestyle.

The Philosophy of Aikido

O' Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba)