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Frequently Asked Questions
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About AikidoAIKIDOAi - Harmony Ki - Spirit; life force or universal creative energy Do - The way or path
WHY AIKIDO? People have a growing desire for a way of life that embodies the qualities of commitment, courage, compassion, skillful action, and service while being firmly rooted in an awareness discipline. WHAT IS AIKIDO? AIKIDO (pronounced “eye-key dough”) is a modern Japanese martial way that uses martial training as a means of character development. Instead of meeting conflict with conflict or force with force, aikido attempts to blend in harmony with an attacker by using spiral movements. Its goal is to re-direct an attack, unbalance an attacker, and use an attackers force, energy and momentum to dispel the attack. Foremost, Aikido’s objective is to resolve conflict in the most peaceful means possible. It is Aikido’s grand goal that this philosophy extends beyond the training hall. On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido does not focus on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Aikido is a true Budo or “Martial Way.” It has evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. It must be understood that studies in earnest Budo is more than a science of tactics and self-defense; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit. Aikido is creation, not destruction. It is a positive energy which creates harmony and justice out of violence. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AIKIDO? Aikido differs from most martial arts studied because of its purpose of training. Lots of martial arts are practiced to gain fighting prowess. Yet, not everyone can be a good fighter. Some people are too small, too weak, or disinclined for combat. More importantly, in the modern world, firearms have rendered a lot of unarmed techniques useless. Simply accumulating strength for fighting is ultimately futile. Our purpose for training in aikido is the refinement of an individual. This purpose transcends cultural boundaries and technological advancements. Aikido is a martial way whereby the student develops a strong body and a mind that is calm, free from contentious thoughts, and whose natural reaction is defense rather than offense, protection rather than counter-destruction. To talk of harmony and justice is simple. But to apply those principles to the conflicts which we face everyday requires a deep understanding and sincere truth. Logic may tell us that truth lies within the process of harmony, but the moment something of value rests on the outcome of a situation we no longer trust that logic. The beautiful ideas and eloquent phrases are forgotten under the pressures of reality. In philosophy a theory of truth is expressed in words, but the truth of Aikido is expressed in action, the theory proven in practice. By the physical application of its principles we develop a deeper understanding in the heart instead of the mind. Through practice and experience we learn to trust its power. Aikido training is to challenge your self, not the other. You will develop confidence by facing your fears, and negative fighting spirit will become creative fighting spirit. The stress and pressure of serious Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study. Discovering your physical limitations will cause you to reflect on the deepest meaning of harmony and conflict, and to strive for a level of consciousness above the selfish ego, closer to a universal consciousness. DYNAMICS of AIKIDO: The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything around it. Its origin is Budo. Its development is the result of two thousand years of a cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of natural selection. It is an evolution etched in blood. The essence of all Aikido technique is use of total body movements to create spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when a technique appears to be using only one part of the body, close observation reveals the Aikidoist’s movements are, in fact, total body movements. Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending an opponent flying thorough the air. Others are small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker. The physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of the principles of the spirit. Negative force is not met with conflict, but joined, controlled and redirected through the power and balance of spiral movement. This is the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape at the foundation of all the energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law and the processes of nature. Its sincere practice and study deepens our appreciation for the perfection of nature’s balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, with other people, and with ourselves. This is the essence of Budo. It is not the art of fighting, or narrow technique, but an art of personal refinement and of protecting the quality of life. Aikido is first and always Budo. Without the heart of a warrior and the deep desire to protect society, to protect all life, Aikido becomes an empty dance. Budo is the spirit. PRACTICE: Although I speak of personal refinement and improvement of character, this does not mean aikido is an esoteric, purely mental exercise. Aikido is a physical process with a spiritual result. The final aim of Budo is personal transformation. Its goal is the creation of integrated human beings who are able to bring the totality of their wisdom and capabilities in order to resolve a problem. Yet philosophical discussion is rare in the dojo (training hall). The focus is highly practical. Constant repetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing is the basis requirement. Students train themselves to capture the opponent’s action and redirect it with techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, they become aware of the tendency to overreact to opposition, and learn to remain centered under all conditions. How is practice conducted? Most practice is done with a partner. Each works at his or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (attacker) and nage (the one who receives the attack). Both roles are stressed as each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control. Aikido practice, done correctly, is strenuous, but not violent, demanding, but not rough. By this I mean smooth completion of action, with no sense of conflict between partners. In class, an instructor will demonstrate a technique applied against a certain attack. Then the class forms into pairs and each partner alternates being attacker and defender, or uke and nage. Learning to do a technique and learning to correctly fall and/or roll out of a technique is an important part of the training. Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness. Since Aikido’s movements and techniques rise from the most efficient utilization of the entire being, great power can be developed by the practitioner, regardless of physical strength. Aikido practice encompasses a broad range of training styles, and allows people to train based on their individual stage of development. As a result, Aikido can be practiced by men, women and children of all ages. Everyone has a different practice pace. How good is a program of training that only the already fit can pursue? The philosophy of aikido is that all people, men and women, old and young, can participate and develop themselves. It does not matter at what level or strength you begin, but every day you try to advance yourself a little bit. If your partner cannot keep up with you, slow down. But also, if you cannot keep up with your partner; try a bit harder. It does no good to always practice within your limits; try to extend them. CENTERING: The Aikidoist develops a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards its physiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity is no longer a force to be overcome. Rather it serves to support and stabilize posture. As a result, ordinary movement assumes an appearance of grace and economy. The effects of centering are mental as well as physical. In addition vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, and one is less affected by the irritations and annoyances of daily living. This state is referred to in Japan as having hara, or strong ki. It is a manifestation of the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to develop to his or her fullest potential in every area of life. SELF-DEFENSE: People often ask “what would you do if someone attacked you this-way or that-way”? Presumable they want to know what good aikido is for self-defense. There is probably no single way to answer this question. Without doubt, aikido contains movements and principles that are effective in self-defense, but it does not contain any magic tricks. A few months of training will not allow you to subdue attackers effortlessly. Remember that defending yourself well is not the same as being a good fighter. A basic course of aikido training will not teach you to do things to others; but, it teaches you to avoid having things done to you by others. This is a reflection of aikido philosophy. Many people who are attacked find themselves in situations where no type of self-defense is useful; the attacker has a gun, for instance. But in the majority of instances where there is possibility of self-defense, the attack usually follows the same pattern: a sudden push, pull or grab on an unsuspecting person. Many teachers of “self-defense” recommend techniques such as gouging your attacker’s eyes, kicking their groin, or stomping their feet. This is well and good. The problem is that in most cases the attacker has already pulled you down, or has you in a chokehold, etc. and you may be unable to move, let alone gouge and kick. The aikido viewpoint is that people are born knowing how to gouge eyes, that is a natural reaction and there is little need to practice it. Aikido emphasizes maintaining your balance in the first instant of contact, so that you have a chance to defend yourself. Here, another natural reaction must be unlearned. We all know the expression “tense up”, or “I just tensed up”. Our natural reaction to stress is to become frozen, easily unbalanced, and unable to move or even think. One of the goals of aikido training is to substitute lowering, relaxing the body, calming and opening the mind, for the natural reaction of “tensing up”. Aikido teaches that when attacked, does not strike back, but first and foremost, keep your balance. This philosophy is one of the reasons many people who practice aikido feel it helps their daily life. There are many types of stress, and not all “attacks” are physical. Say another criticizes you. Is your first reaction to counter-criticize or conversely, to collapse and give in? The “aikido way” of dealing with this situation is to keep your balance. Clearly evaluate the strengths of your position. Do not argue. If you sincerely feel you are right, stand your ground. But, keep your mind open, so that if it happens you are wrong, you will be able to see it. This may sound simple, even obvious. Yet, how many times do we discard a plan or viewpoint we knew was correct, only because the majority, or someone in power, thought otherwise? How often do we push on to disaster, too stubborn or proud to see our own flaws? Sometimes simple things are the most difficult to put into practice. CLOSING: Aikido is not a sport. Tournaments and competition are not conducted. No trophies or medals are given. Aikido is a discipline, an educational process for training the mind, body, and spirit. Physical technique is not the final objective, but a tool for personal refinement and spiritual growth. All persons are welcomed to watch classes, ask questions, and to apply for club membership. All that is really needed to participate is desire. Feel free to ask if you need any further information or have any further questions. SEE YOU ON THE MATS! SOME GOALS, OBJECTIVES and PURPOSES OF AIKIDO TRAINING: 01 - Exposure to a modern Japanese Budo or “Martial Way” that uses training as a means of character development. 02 - Learn to resolve conflict, physical and verbal, in the most peaceful means possible. 03 - Exposure to a Budo or “Martial Way” for perfecting the spirit. 04 - Refinement of an individual. 05 - Learn applicable self-defense techniques. 06 - Increase physical health and peace of mind. 07 - Training can be a path to spiritual enlightenment. 08 - Develop confidence by facing your fears. 09 - Discover you physical limitations. 10 - Learn to use total body movement to create spherical motion around a stable, balanced and energized center. 11 - Exposure to the power and balance of spiral movements. 12 - Master the fundamentals of movement, timing, and breathing. 13 - Learn to remain centered under all conditions. 14 - Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development. 15 - Learn to develop a relaxed posture (Be Centered). 16 - Sharpen your senses, increase concentration and focus. 17 - Enjoyment, fun & relaxation.
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Aikido of Lake Keowee, LLC - 10135-B Clemson Blvd., (Hwy 123), Seneca, SC 29678
Phone: 864/888-3226 - E-mail: aikidoinfo@bellsouth.net - Website: www.aikidooflakekeowee.com
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