Aikido
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox martial art Aikido (Template:Small {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, Template:Small {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}, Template:Transliteration, {{#invoke:IPA|main}}) is a modern Japanese martial art which is split into many different styles including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai, and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 140 countries.
It was originally developed by Morihei Ueshiba, as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art which practitioners could use to defend themselves against attacks, while also protecting the attackers from injury.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) life energy"<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> or as "the way of harmonious spirit".<ref name="ADS">Template:Cite book</ref> According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness.<ref name="Jones2015">Template:Cite book</ref> Morihei Ueshiba used the phrase Template:Nihongo3 to refer to this principle.<ref name="Gordon2019">Template:Cite book</ref>
Aikido's fundamental principles include: Template:Transliteration<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (entering), Template:Transliteration,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Transliteration (breathing control), Template:Transliteration (triangular principle), and Template:Transliteration (turning) movements which redirect the opponent's attack momentum. Its curriculum comprises various techniques, primarily throws and joint locks.<ref name="Aikido">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> It includes a weapons system encompassing the Template:Transliteration, Template:Transliteration, and Template:Transliteration. Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term Template:Transliteration.<ref name="Pranin-Aikijujutsu">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending partly on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However they all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.
Etymology and basic philosophyEdit
The word "aikido" is formed of three kanji:
- {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} – Template:Transliteration – harmony, unifying
- {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} – Template:Transliteration – energy, spirit
- {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} – Template:Transliteration – way, path
The term Template:Transliteration does not readily appear in the Japanese language outside the scope of budō. This has led to many possible interpretations of the word. {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (Template:Transliteration) is mainly used in compounds to mean 'combine, unite, join, meet', examples being {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (combined/united), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (composition), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (unite/combine/join), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (union/alliance/association), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (combine/unify), and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (mutual agreement). There is an idea of reciprocity, {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (to get to know one another), {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (talk/discussion/negotiation), and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (meet by appointment).
{{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (Template:Transliteration) is often used to describe a feeling or emotive action, as in {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} ('I feel X', as in terms of thinking but with less cognitive reasoning), and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (feeling/sensation); it is used to mean energy or force, as in {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (electricity) and {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (magnetism); it can also refer to qualities or aspects of people or things, as in {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} (spirit/trait/temperament).
The term Template:Transliteration in Aikido is found in many other Japanese martial arts such as, judo and kendo, and in various non-martial arts, such as Japanese calligraphy (Template:Transliteration), flower arranging (Template:Transliteration) and tea ceremony (Template:Transliteration or Template:Transliteration). Therefore, from a purely literal interpretation, aikido is the "Way of combining forces" or "Way of unifying energy", in which the term Template:Transliteration refers to the martial arts principle or tactic of blending with an attacker's movements for the purpose of controlling their actions with minimal effort.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> One applies Template:Transliteration by understanding the rhythm and intent of the attacker to find the optimal position and timing to apply a counter-technique.
HistoryEdit
Aikido was created by Template:Nihongo (1883–1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as Template:Transliteration (Great Teacher).<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> The term aikido was coined in the 20th century.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the Template:Transliteration that Ueshiba studied into a variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.<ref name="Aikido"/>
Initial developmentEdit
Ueshiba developed aikido primarily during the late 1920s through the 1930s through the synthesis of the older martial arts that he had studied.<ref name="AWH">Template:Cite book</ref> The core martial art from which aikido derives is Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, which Ueshiba studied directly with Takeda Sōkaku, the reviver of that art. Additionally, Ueshiba is known to have studied Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū with Tozawa Tokusaburō in Tokyo in 1901, Gotōha Yagyū Shingan-ryū under Nakai Masakatsu in Sakai from 1903 to 1908, and judo with Template:Nihongo (1894–1972) in Tanabe in 1911.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
The art of Template:Transliteration is the primary technical influence on aikido. Along with empty-handed throwing and joint-locking techniques, Ueshiba incorporated training movements with weapons, such as those for the spear (Template:Transliteration), short staff (Template:Transliteration), and possibly the Template:Nihongo. Aikido also derives much of its technical structure from the art of swordsmanship (Template:Transliteration).<ref name="ADS"/><ref name="TSoA">Template:Cite book</ref> Ueshiba moved to Hokkaido in 1912, and began studying under Takeda Sokaku in 1915; His official association with Daitō-ryū continued until 1937.<ref name="AWH" /> However, during the latter part of that period, Ueshiba had already begun to distance himself from Takeda and the Template:Transliteration. At that time Ueshiba referred to his martial art as "Aiki Budō". It is unclear exactly when Ueshiba began using the name "aikido", but it became the official name of the art in 1942 when the Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society (Template:Transliteration) was engaged in a government sponsored reorganization and centralization of Japanese martial arts.<ref name="Aikido" />
Religious influencesEdit
After Ueshiba left Hokkaido in 1919, he met and was profoundly influenced by Onisaburo Deguchi, the spiritual leader of the Ōmoto-kyō religion (a neo-Shinto movement) in Ayabe.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> One of the primary features of Ōmoto-kyō is its emphasis on the attainment of utopia during one's life. The idea was a great influence on Ueshiba's martial arts philosophy of extending love and compassion especially to those who seek to harm others. Aikido demonstrates this philosophy in its emphasis on mastering martial arts so that one may receive an attack and harmlessly redirect it. In an ideal resolution, not only is the receiver unharmed, but so is the attacker.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In addition to the effect on his spiritual growth, the connection with Deguchi gave Ueshiba entry to elite political and military circles as a martial artist. As a result of the exposure, he was able to attract not only financial backing but also gifted students. Several of the students went on to begin their own styles of aikido.<ref name="Styles">Template:Cite journal</ref>
International disseminationEdit
Aikido was first introduced to the rest of the world in 1951 by Minoru Mochizuki with a visit to France, where he demonstrated aikido techniques to judo students.<ref name="Mochizuki">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> He was followed by Tadashi Abe in 1952, who came as the official Aikikai Hombu representative, remaining in France for seven years. Kenji Tomiki toured with a delegation of various martial arts through 15 continental states of the United States in 1953.<ref name="Styles"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later in the same year, Koichi Tohei was sent by Aikikai Hombu to Hawaii for a full year, where he set up several dōjō. The trip was followed by several visits and is considered the formal introduction of aikido to the United States. The United Kingdom followed in 1955; Italy in 1964 by Hiroshi Tada; and Germany in 1965 by Katsuaki Asai. Designated the "Official Delegate for Europe and Africa" by Morihei Ueshiba, Masamichi Noro arrived in France in September 1961. Seiichi Sugano was appointed to introduce aikido to Australia in 1965. Today there are aikido dōjō throughout the world. Steven Seagal's film debut Above the Law (1988) is regarded as the first American film to feature aikido in fight sequences.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Proliferation of independent organizationsEdit
Template:Further Template:See also
The largest aikido organization is the Aikikai Foundation, which remains under the control of the Ueshiba family. However, aikido has developed into many styles, most of which were formed by Morihei Ueshiba's major students.<ref name="Styles"/> The earliest independent styles to emerge were Yoseikan Aikido, begun by Minoru Mochizuki in 1931,<ref name="Mochizuki" /> Yoshinkan Aikido, founded by Gozo Shioda in 1955,<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> and Shodokan Aikido, founded by Kenji Tomiki in 1967.<ref name="ACE">Template:Cite book</ref> The emergence of these styles pre-dated Ueshiba's death and did not cause any major upheavals when they were formalized. Shodokan Aikido, however, was controversial, since it introduced a unique rule-based competition that some felt was contrary to the spirit of aikido.<ref name="Styles" />
After Ueshiba's death in 1969, two more major styles emerged. Significant controversy arose with the departure of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo's chief instructor Koichi Tohei, in 1974. Tohei left as a result of a disagreement with the son of the founder, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who at that time headed the Aikikai Foundation. The disagreement was over the proper role of Template:Transliteration development in regular aikido training. After Tohei left, he formed his own style, called Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, and the organization that governs it, the Ki Society (Template:Transliteration).<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> A final major style evolved from Ueshiba's retirement in Iwama, Ibaraki and the teaching methodology of long term student Morihiro Saito. It is unofficially referred to as the "Iwama style", and at one point a number of its followers formed a loose network of schools they called Iwama Ryu. Although Iwama style practitioners remained part of the Aikikai until Saito's death in 2002, followers of Saito subsequently split into two groups. One remained with the Aikikai and the other formed the independent Shinshin Aikishuren Kai in 2004 around Saito's son Hitohiro Saito.
Today, the major styles of aikido are each run by a separate governing organization, have their own Template:Nihongo in Japan, and are taught throughout the world.<ref name="Styles"/>
Template:TransliterationEdit
The study of Template:Transliteration is an important component of aikido. The term does not specifically refer to either physical or mental training, as it encompasses both. The kanji for Template:Transliteration was written in its older form as {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} up until the Japanese governmental writing reforms after World War II, and now is more prevalently seen in its modern form of {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}. This form has the removal of the eight directions denoting the pre and post natal energies of Template:Nihongo (Chinese – Template:Transliteration) also known in the Art of Aikido as "Source energy".
The character for Template:Transliteration is used in everyday Japanese terms, such as Template:Nihongo, or Template:Nihongo. Template:Transliteration has many meanings, including "ambience", "mind", "mood", or "intention and action", however, in traditional martial arts and medicine it is often referred to in its more general terminology as "life energy". Gozo Shioda's Yoshinkan Aikido, considered one of the "hard styles", largely follows Ueshiba's teachings from before World War II, and surmises that the secret to Template:Transliteration lies in timing and the application of the whole body's strength to a single point.<ref name="Shugyo"/> In later years, Ueshiba's application of Template:Transliteration in aikido took on a softer, more gentle feel. The concept was known as Takemusu Aiki, and many of his later students teach about Template:Transliteration from this perspective. Koichi Tohei's Ki Society centers almost exclusively around the study of the empirical (albeit subjective) experience of Template:Transliteration, with students' proficiency in aikido techniques and Template:Transliteration development ranked separately.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
TrainingEdit
In aikido, as in virtually all Japanese martial arts, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques.<ref name="AFL">Template:Cite book</ref> Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, beginners learn how to safely fall or roll.<ref name="AFL"/> The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with weapons.
In some dojo, Uchi-deshi programs permit students to live in the dojo and immerse themselves in practice several times each day.
FitnessEdit
Physical training goals pursued in conjunction with aikido include controlled relaxation, correct movement of joints such as hips and shoulders, flexibility, and endurance, with less emphasis on strength training. In aikido, pushing or extending movements are much more common than pulling or contracting movements. This distinction can be applied to general fitness goals for the aikido practitioner.<ref name="ADS"/> In aikido, specific muscles or muscle groups are not isolated and worked to improve tone, mass, or power. Aikido-related training emphasizes the use of coordinated whole-body movement and balance similar to yoga or pilates. For example, many dōjōs begin each class with Template:Nihongo, which may include stretching and Template:Transliteration (break falls).<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
Roles of Template:Transliteration and Template:TransliterationEdit
"Uke", in this case on the left, is doing rolling Ukemi (France, 2002)
Aikido training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (Template:Transliteration) rather than freestyle practice. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (Template:Transliteration) to initiate an attack against the person who applies the technique—the Template:Nihongo, or Template:Nihongo (depending on aikido style), also referred to as Template:Nihongo (when applying a throwing technique), who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.<ref name="afl2"/>
Both halves of the technique, that of Template:Transliteration and that of Template:Transliteration, are considered essential to aikido training.<ref name="afl2"/> Both are studying aikido principles of blending and adaptation. Template:Transliteration learns to blend with and control attacking energy, while Template:Transliteration learns to become calm and flexible in the disadvantageous, off-balance positions in which Template:Transliteration places them. This "receiving" of the technique is called Template:Transliteration.<ref name="afl2">Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Transliteration continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g., an exposed side), while Template:Transliteration uses position and timing to keep Template:Transliteration off-balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, Template:Transliteration will sometimes apply Template:Nihongo to regain balance and pin or throw Template:Transliteration. Template:Nihongo refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good Template:Transliteration involves attention to the technique, the partner, and the immediate environment—it is considered an active part of the process of learning aikido. The method of falling itself is also important, and is a way for the practitioner to receive an aikido technique safely and minimize risk of injury.
Initial attacksEdit
Aikido techniques are usually a defense against an attack, so students must learn to deliver various types of attacks to be able to practice aikido with a partner. Although attacks are not studied as thoroughly as in striking-based arts, attacks with intent (such as a strong strike or an immobilizing grab) are needed to study correct and effective application of technique.<ref name="ADS"/> Many of the Template:Nihongo of aikido resemble cuts from a sword or other grasped object, which indicate its origins in techniques intended for armed combat.<ref name="ADS" /> Other techniques which explicitly appear to be punches (Template:Transliteration), are practiced as thrusts with a knife or sword. Kicks are generally reserved for upper-level variations; reasons cited include that falls from kicks are especially dangerous, and that kicks (high kicks in particular) were uncommon during the types of combat prevalent in feudal Japan.
Some basic strikes include:
- Template:Nihongo is a vertical knifehand strike to the head. In training, this is usually directed at the forehead or the crown for safety, but more dangerous versions of this attack target the bridge of the nose and the maxillary sinus.
- Template:Nihongo is a diagonal knifehand strike to the side of the head or neck.
- Template:Nihongo is a punch to the torso. Specific targets include the chest, abdomen, and solar plexus, sometimes referred to as Template:Nihongo, or Template:Nihongo.
- Template:Nihongo is a punch to the face, sometimes referred to as Template:Nihongo.
Beginners in particular often practice techniques from grabs, both because they are safer and because it is easier to feel the energy and the direction of the movement of force of a hold than it is for a strike. Some grabs are historically derived from being held while trying to draw a weapon, whereupon a technique could then be used to free oneself and immobilize or strike the attacker while they are grabbing the defender.<ref name="ADS"/> Here are examples of some basic grabs:
- Template:Nihongo, when one hand grabs one wrist.
- Template:Nihongo, when both hands grab one wrist; sometimes referred to as Template:Nihongo
- Template:Nihongo, when both hands grab both wrists; sometimes referred to as Template:Nihongo.
- Template:Nihongo when one shoulder is grabbed.
- Template:Nihongo, when both shoulders are grabbed. It is sometimes combined with an overhead strike as Template:Nihongo.
- Template:Nihongo, when the lapel is grabbed; sometimes referred to as Template:Nihongo.
Basic techniquesEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}
Here is a sample of the basic or widely practiced throws and pins. Many of the techniques derive from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but some others were invented by Morihei Ueshiba. The precise terminology for some may vary between organisations and styles; the terms presented are the terms used by the Aikikai Foundation. Although the names of the first five techniques listed are in succession, they are not universally taught in numeric order.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Template:Nihongo, a control technique using one hand on the elbow and one hand near the wrist which leverages Template:Transliteration to the ground.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> This grip applies pressure into the ulnar nerve at the wrist.
- Template:Nihongo is a pronating wristlock that torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure. (There is an adductive wristlock or Z-lock in the Template:Transliteration version.)
- Template:Nihongo is a rotational wristlock that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder.
- Template:Nihongo is a shoulder control technique similar to Template:Transliteration, but with both hands gripping the forearm. The knuckles (from the palm side) are applied to the recipient's radial nerve against the periosteum of the forearm bone.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
- Template:Nihongois a technique that is visually similar to Template:Transliteration, but with an inverted grip of the wrist, medial rotation of the arm and shoulder, and downward pressure on the elbow. Common in knife and other weapon take-aways.
- Template:Nihongo is a throw during which Template:Transliteration's hand is folded back past the shoulder, locking the shoulder joint.
- Template:Nihongo is a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum.
- Template:Nihongo is a loosely used umbrella term for various types of mechanically unrelated techniques; Template:Transliteration generally do not use joint locks like other techniques.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
- Template:Nihongo, throws in which Template:Transliteration moves through the space occupied by Template:Transliteration. The classic form superficially resembles a "clothesline" technique.
- Template:Nihongo, a throw in which, beginning with Template:Transliteration, moving forward, Template:Transliteration sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), which unbalances Template:Transliteration so that they easily topple over.
- Template:Nihongo, aikido's version of the hip throw; Template:Transliteration drops their hips lower than those of Template:Transliteration, then flips Template:Transliteration over the resultant fulcrum.
- Template:Nihongo, a throw that locks the arms against each other (the kanji for "10" is a cross-shape: {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}).<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
- Template:Nihongo is a throw in which Template:Transliteration sweeps Template:Transliteration's arm back until it locks the shoulder joint, then uses forward pressure to throw them.<ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
ImplementationsEdit
Aikido makes use of body movement (Template:Transliteration or {{#invoke:Lang|lang}}) to blend the movement of Template:Transliteration with the movement of Template:Transliteration. For example, an "entering" (Template:Transliteration) technique consists of movements inward towards Template:Transliteration, while a Template:Nihongo technique uses a pivoting motion.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Additionally, an Template:Nihongo technique takes place in front of Template:Transliteration, whereas an Template:Nihongo technique takes place to their side; a Template:Nihongo technique is applied with motion to the front of Template:Transliteration, and a Template:Nihongo version is applied with motion towards the rear of Template:Transliteration, usually by incorporating a turning or pivoting motion. Finally, most techniques can be performed while in a seated posture (Template:Transliteration). Techniques where both {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} and Template:Transliteration are standing are called Template:Transliteration, techniques where both start off in Template:Transliteration are called Template:Transliteration, and techniques performed with Template:Transliteration standing and Template:Transliteration sitting are called Template:Transliteration ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}).<ref name="dynamic"/> From these few basic techniques, there are numerous of possible implementations. For example, Template:Transliteration can be applied to an opponent moving forward with a strike (perhaps with an Template:Transliteration type of movement to redirect the incoming force), or to an opponent who has already struck and is now moving back to reestablish distance (perhaps an Template:Transliteration version). Specific aikido Template:Transliteration are typically referred to with the formula "attack-technique(-modifier)"; Template:Transliteration, for example, refers to any Template:Transliteration technique executed when Template:Transliteration is holding one wrist. This could be further specified as Template:Transliteration (referring to any forward-moving Template:Transliteration technique from that grab).
Template:Nihongo are strikes (or feints) employed during an aikido technique. Some view Template:Transliteration as attacks against "vital points" meant to cause damage in and of themselves. For instance, Gozo Shioda described using Template:Transliteration in a brawl to quickly down a gang's leader.<ref name="Shugyo">Template:Cite book</ref> Others consider Template:Transliteration, especially to the face, to be methods of distraction meant to enable other techniques; a strike, even if it is blocked, can startle the target and break their concentration. Additionally, the target may also become unbalanced while attempting to avoid a strike (by jerking the head back, for example) which may allow for an easier throw.<ref name="dynamic">Template:Cite book</ref> Many sayings about Template:Transliteration are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba, who considered them an essential element of technique.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
WeaponsEdit
Weapons training in aikido traditionally includes the short staff (Template:Transliteration) (these techniques closely resemble the use of the bayonet, or Jūkendō), the wooden sword (Template:Transliteration), and the knife (Template:Transliteration).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Some schools incorporate firearm-disarming techniques, where either weapon-taking and/or weapon-retention may be taught. Some schools, such as the Iwama style of Morihiro Saito, usually spend substantial time practicing with both Template:Transliteration and Template:Transliteration, under the names of Template:Transliteration, and Template:Transliteration, respectively. The founder developed many of the empty-handed techniques from traditional sword, spear and bayonet movements. Consequently, the practice of the weapons arts gives insight into the origin of techniques and movements, and reinforces the concepts of distance, timing, foot movement, presence and connectedness with one's training partner(s).<ref name="SOS">Template:Cite book</ref>
Multiple attackers and Template:TransliterationEdit
One feature of aikido is training to defend against multiple attackers, often called Template:Transliteration, or Template:Transliteration. Freestyle practice with multiple attackers called Template:Nihongo is a key part of most curricula and is required for the higher-level ranks.<ref name="best">Template:Cite book</ref> Template:Transliteration exercises a person's ability to intuitively perform techniques in an unstructured environment.<ref name="best"/> Strategic choice of techniques, based on how they reposition the student relative to other attackers, is important in Template:Transliteration training. For instance, an Template:Transliteration technique might be used to neutralise the current attacker while turning to face attackers approaching from behind.<ref name="ADS"/>
In Shodokan Aikido, Template:Transliteration differs in that it is not performed with multiple persons with defined roles of defender and attacker, but between two people, where both participants attack, defend, and counter at will. In this respect it resembles judo Template:Transliteration.<ref name="ACE"/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
InjuriesEdit
In applying a technique during training, it is the responsibility of Template:Transliteration to prevent injury to Template:Transliteration by employing a speed and force of application that is appropriate with their partner's proficiency in Template:Transliteration.<ref name="afl2"/> When injuries (especially to the joints) occur, they are often the result of a Template:Transliteration misjudging the ability of Template:Transliteration to receive the throw or pin.<ref name="Aikinjuries">Aikido and injuries: special report by Fumiaki Shishida Aiki News 1989;80 (April); partial English translation of article re-printed in Aikido Journal {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Aikinjuries2">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> A study of injuries in the martial arts showed that the type of injuries varied considerably from one art to the other.<ref name="injurycomparison">Template:Cite journal</ref> Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common types of injuries found within aikido,<ref name="injurycomparison" /> as well as joint strain and stubbed fingers and toes.<ref name="Aikinjuries2" /> Several deaths from head-and-neck injuries, caused by aggressive Template:Transliteration in a Template:Transliteration hazing context, have been reported.<ref name="Aikinjuries" />
Mental trainingEdit
Aikido training is mental as well as physical, emphasizing the ability to relax the mind and body even under the stress of dangerous situations.<ref name="ZENMA">Template:Cite book</ref> This is necessary to enable the practitioner to perform the 'enter-and-blend' movements that underlie aikido techniques, wherein an attack is met with confidence and directness.<ref name="AFL 1-9">Template:Cite book</ref> Morihei Ueshiba once remarked that one "must be willing to receive 99% of an opponent's attack and stare death in the face" in order to execute techniques without hesitation.<ref name="AOP">Template:Cite book</ref> As a martial art concerned not only with fighting proficiency but with the betterment of daily life, this mental aspect is of key importance to aikido practitioners.<ref name="NewWarrior">Template:Cite book</ref>
Uniforms and rankingEdit
Aikido practitioners (commonly called Template:Transliteration outside Japan) generally progress by promotion through a series of "grades" (Template:Transliteration), followed by a series of "degrees" (Template:Transliteration), pursuant to formal testing procedures. Some aikido organizations use belts to distinguish practitioners' grades, often simply white and black belts to distinguish Template:Transliteration and Template:Transliteration grades, although some use various belt colors. Testing requirements vary, so a particular rank in one organization is not comparable or interchangeable with the rank of another.<ref name="ADS"/> Some dōjōs have an age requirement before students can take the Template:Transliteration rank exam.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The uniform worn for practicing aikido (Template:Transliteration) is similar to the training uniform (Template:Transliteration) used in most other modern martial arts; simple trousers and a wraparound jacket, usually white. Both thick ("judo-style"), and thin ("karate-style") cotton tops are used.<ref name="ADS"/> Aikido-specific tops are available with shorter sleeves which reach to just below the elbow.<ref name="seido">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Most aikido systems add a pair of wide pleated black or indigo trousers known as Template:Transliteration (used also in Naginatajutsu, kendo, and iaido). In many schools, the wearing of Template:Transliteration is reserved for practitioners with Template:Transliteration ranks or for instructors, while others allow all practitioners to wear a Template:Transliteration regardless of rank.<ref name="ADS"/>
Aikido stylesEdit
Aikido styles vary in their intention, due to its holistic nature. The most common differences noted in aikido, when observed externally, relate to the intensity and realism of training. Stanley Pranin has observed that some criticism may stem from weak attacks from Template:Transliteration, allowing for a conditioned response from Template:Transliteration, resulting in underdevelopment of the skills needed for the safe and effective practice of both partners.<ref name="Pranin-aikido today">Template:Cite journal</ref>
To counteract that some styles allow students to become less compliant over time, however in keeping with the core philosophies, that is after having demonstrated proficiency in being able to protect themselves and their training partners. Shodokan Aikido addresses the issue by practicing in a competitive format.<ref name="ACE"/> Such adaptations are debated between styles, with some maintaining that there is no need to adjust their methods because either the criticisms are unjustified, or that they are not training for self-defense or combat effectiveness, but spiritual, fitness or other reasons.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Reasons for the difference and diversity of teachings, intention, and forms of aikido can be traced to the shift in training focus after the end of Ueshiba's seclusion in Iwama from 1942 to the mid-1950s, as he increasingly emphasized the spiritual and philosophical aspects of aikido. As a result, strikes to vital points by Template:Transliteration, entering (Template:Transliteration) and initiation of techniques by Template:Transliteration, the distinction between Template:Transliteration (front side) and Template:Transliteration (back side) techniques, and the use of weapons, were all de-emphasized or eliminated from practice.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Conversely, some styles of aikido place less importance on the spiritual practices which were emphasized by Ueshiba. According to Minoru Shibata of Aikido Journal:
O-Sensei's aikido was not a continuation and extension of the old and has a distinct discontinuity with past martial and philosophical concepts.<ref name="Shibata-Dilemma">Template:Cite journal</ref>
In other words, aikido practitioners who focus on aikido's roots in traditional Template:Transliteration or Template:Transliteration are said to be diverging from what Ueshiba taught, as some critics urge practitioners:
[Ueshiba's] transcendence to the spiritual and universal reality were the fundamentals of the paradigm that he demonstrated.<ref name="Shibata-Dilemma"/>
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- AikiWeb Aikido Information site on aikido, with essays, forums, gallery, reviews, columns, wiki and other information.