Just what is Aikido, briefly?

Historically, Aikido (pronounced "eye-key-dough") is a martial art developed in Japan. It is very different from other martial arts, such as karate, because its methods call for "blending" with an attack and using the attackers' energy to effectively resolve the conflict.

Why is Aikido said to be defensive?

All its techniques are defensive by philosophy and practice; not defensive.  If someone grabs or punches at you, for example, the Aikido response is to cause him to become unbalanced and to fall down.

It looks sort of like a sport -- I've seen people doing it together with great energy.

It is a partner activity that can involve lots of dynamic motion. As such, it offers many of the pleasures and benefits of a sport. But it does not score points or pit one partner against the other competitively. The partners take turns attacking and defending; however, the attacker is not trying to "win," but rather to provide an opportunity for the other to practice defense. Likewise, the defender is not competing against the attacker, but rather against self in the continuing effort to improve.

What are these benefits you refer to?

There are several:

(1) Aikido begins and ends with light exercise and much stretching. Students participate as lightly or as vigorously as they wish. There is no militaristic discipline that presses people to over-exert; yet all are encouraged to explore their body's abilities and limits, and gently to expand them.

(2) Aerobics: Cardio-vascular training is probably the most healthful aspect of any physical activity. In Aikido, one can practice lightly, vigorously, or anywhere in between. This makes it accessible to people of all ages and physical conditions. It also makes it possible to achieve aerobic benefit without overdoing it.

(3) Coordination: Because it is a complex activity performed with one or more partners, Aikido makes demands on one's coordination, balance, body awareness, vigilance, ability to judge distance, and so forth. Aikido develops a high degree of control and grace of movement.

(4) Self-defense: Aikido is an excellent method of self-defense. From boxing or karate one can learn to punch or kick in just a few lessons -- Aikido does not depend upon strength, size or speed, and can be a real life saver in this often violent world we live in.

(5) Character development: Aikido techniques are responses to attacks, and they consist of evading, unbalancing, throwing and pinning. Aikido teaches by constant example that aggression and violence are wrong and lead to self-defeat. Students learn that counter-attack is not necessary, that they can move in harmony with an aggressor and let him defeat himself. They also learn to respond no more strongly than is necessary, measuring their defense in proportion to the attack. This is much harder to learn than simply fighting back. A high degree of self-control must be learned to practice well with a variety of partners; also there is a lot of bowing - which the Japanese use as commonly as our handshake - for showing respect toward one's partner, one's teacher and the man who invented this art. Cooperation and harmony are not easy to learn -- but they pay off in increased confidence and in the development of social skills and the ethical treatment of others.

(6) Keeping calm: According to many authorities, victims of muggings and other attacks defeat themselves by going into panic. Aikido deliberately cultivates the mental discipline of staying composed and calm -- of "keeping your wits about you" -- in the face of a stressful situation. Remaining mentally relaxed and alert is a skill and it can only be learned with practice. Such a response is useful in many aspects of life, not just self-defense. Panic can prevent us from responding wisely and efficiently to a car suddenly swerving in front of us; a sudden show of anger from a customer, boss, or acquaintance; an accident in the home; a medical emergency; etc.

Is it dangerous to practice Aikido?

Because of the emphasis on self-pacing and harmony, Aikido is probably less hazardous than most popular physical activities. Muscle soreness and minor bruising are common, as with nearly all athletic endeavors. The activity can be vigorous and there is a lot of falling to the mats. As with any physical activity, it is possible to suffer an injury from carelessness or accidents, but this does not happen routinely. Aikido instruction includes training in how to fall, in how to apply no more force than is necessary, and in assessing your opponents skill level. Workouts start by preparing the body for exercise. Attention and seriousness are constantly demanded. Safety features are taught and emphasized. 

You mentioned falling. What is this?

The typical response to an attack is to bring the attacker to the mat, either by "throwing" him there or by bringing him down and pinning him so he cannot move. If you watch Aikido in action, you will see some grand throws. The more energy there is in the attack the more energetically the attacker will go down. In an Aikido class, students playing the attacker learn how to protect themselves, usually by taking a carefully controlled rolling fall.

Does Aikido require a lot of strength or physical ability?

No. It is a very individual activity, shaping itself to each person's desires and abilities. As a self-defense, it depends upon timing and skill, not upon strength and speed. For this reason, it is an effective self-defense for one's entire life and an enjoyable activity for people of any age, skill or energy. Young and old can practice together, as can novices and advanced students. People from all walks of life enjoy it. It does not appeal to those who want to be "tough," although that type is occasionally mellowed by practicing it. Aikido is an excellent choice for women because it is an effective means of defense that relies on understanding and practice rather than physical strength.

Why haven't I heard of Aikido before?

Aikido was developed in the early 1940's by Morehei Ueshiba and spread to the United States in the 1960's where it has grown especially fast the past decade. It is practiced all over the world, has several national and international organizing bodies, a great number of books and videos, and at least two magazines; it is taught in a couple of hundred cities in the USA.

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