Aikido is a Japanese martial art, developed by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Its technical structure is based on various traditional Japanese martial arts that the founder practiced during his childhood and youth.
Through the deep study of these techniques, Ueshiba achieved a synthesis based on circular movements that seek to neutralize the opponent with the least possible damage for both parties. In addition to his martial studies, Ueshiba was introduced to philosophical and religious studies from an early age by his father. As an adult, he adhered to Shintoism, more exactly the Omoto branch, which conceived peace as the fundamental axis of human life. This led him to rethink everything he had learned in his martial career.
"In the search for physical, mental and spiritual perfection of the human being, through training, self-reflection and continuous practice"
Master Ueshiba concluded that the true spirit of martial arts does not reside in combat or sports competition, where pride and ego are enhanced; emphasizing the search for physical, mental and spiritual perfection of the human being, through training, self-reflection and continuous practice.
The name of Aikido was given to this art in 1942 and has the meaning "the path of harmonization of energy". The concept of "“Do” path must be understood as a way of improvement; and the “Ki” energy comprises the creative breath of the universe and of each one of the beings that inhabit it; “Ai” is to harmonize, understanding here that the objective is to deal with the discrepancies of life and the sometimes ambiguous feelings that they awaken in us.
To achieve this goal of harmonization of energies, both personal and internal as well as surrounding and external, Aikido classes must take place in an atmosphere of calm and concentration, promoting camaraderie among practitioners. It is with this same purpose that the participants of a technical execution are not conceived as opponents but as co-executors who concentrate on the correct flow of their opposing and complementary energies. In this way, the practitioner intuitively begins to understand the conflict no longer as a matter of personal gain or loss, but as a natural evolution of the energy that sustains this universe.
Through this intuitive perception, the persistent practitioner will be able to imbue his own life with this impression and face its events and setbacks with greater naturalness and effective results. For all this, Aikido can be practiced by people of all ages and by both sexes together.
- Nicolás Urrutia Sensei