In Aikido we never clash with an attacker head-on. Instead, utilizing evasive, circular movements we blend with the attack, leading the attacker into a variety of throws or joint locking techniques. Although Aikido is a powerful and effective form of self-defense, the techniques have been developed in such a way as to avoid permanent injury to an attacker. You don't have to be strong or young to practice Aikido. It can be practiced by women, men and children of all sizes and ages, since it uses the attackers' size and strength against them. Practice is geared toward an individual's ability and comfort level when he or she begins, and classes are conducted with a spirit of encouragement. Students help each other learn the techniques, and one learns as much from performing the technique as from receiving it. There are no tournaments or competitive matches in Aikido. Instead you learn through repetitive practice in a thoughtful, studious atmosphere. Being non-competitive in nature, Aikido practices can be soft and flowing or vigorous and aerobic depending on the desires of you and your partner. Aikido promotes suppleness, flexibility and concentration as well as a confident, balanced personality.
Beginners
Written by Paul Duke
Friday, 13 March 2009 22:36
I remember
when I first saw Aikido (about 30 years ago at QE II park!) - it looked like a
bunch of guys just throwing themselves around and I wasn't sure if it was
impressive or lame. About 15 years after
that I came across the exact same Aikido club while looking for a Tai Chi school
(coincidence? - yeah probably). Anyway I
tried it - and had shown to me the unbendable arm, how an unbalanced person can't be strong, and the mystery
of "ki".
OK, I didn't have the mystery of kishown to me as such, but I did get a
taste of what it might be - and so started what would become a lifelong search
for that intangible, yet powerful, "je ne c'est quoi" (and about which I could
fill pages - but not now).
So,
excepting a month off here and there for injury recovery, I've been training
for about 15 years, and after all that time I still remember the first few
classes and discovering the ‘magic' of Aikido.
Here are a few things I'd like to share with our newer Aikidoka:
