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WHAT IS AIKIDO?

Aikido is rapidly spreading throughout the world as more and more people realize that, through study of this art, they can ultimately put an end to the long history of war and struggle and start a new era of peace in the history of mankind.

As a martial art, a system of self defense, a means of maintaining health, and an aid in teaching children the virtues of respect and self discipline, the value of Aikido training is becoming widely recognized. In this respect, Aikido is not only a traditional martial art, but also a modern medium for enriching both the mental and physical aspects of life.

'Aiki' means the state of mind united with Nature. The secret of the Universe is expressed in the refined movements of Aikido which we train ourselves to experience when 'Ki' (energy), mind, and body are in unity. 'Do' means path, and signifies that training in this discipline is the path we have chosen toward self perfection.

Through the harmony and balance of flexible, Circular, blending movements, Aikido aims to unite the spirit and body of each trainee as well as to bring all men to one accord in unity with the Universe. Achievement of these goals can be accomplished only through the accumulation of the experience gained through sincere daily practice. Since Aikido has as its base the rigorous strictness of the traditional martial arts of Japan, however, each technique includes all of the elements of offense and defense.

There is no competition in Aikido; in competition, a desire to win gives rise to thought and movements which are against nature.

Also, the spirit of competition is contrary to the spirit of Aikido which seeks to bring people together in harmony.

In Aikido, men and women of all ages cooperate in daily, repetitious practice aimed at making the mind and body become harmonious with the movement of nature. Because of its great versatility, Aikido may be practiced by both young and old as a martial art for self defense and as a method of physical and spiritual training.

The outstanding feature of Ki Aikido is that it has made a great leap from the traditional martial arts to a nonviolent art of self defense, through mind-body coordination. There are many people who train only their bodies, but few train their minds as well. Apparently few realize that the mind controls the body, and it is the mind that gives the body its real strength. It is the mind that leads and the body follows. Therefore, before you can move your opponent's body, you must first lead his mind. If you try to throw an opponent by brute force alone you will find it heavy going. Through the art of leading the mind, even a woman or a child can easily defend themselves against the brute force of a larger man.

Not only does Ki Aikido teach you to defend yourself in a non-violent way; but its principles can be carried into your daily life and open a wide area of relaxation and self-control which will enable you to accomplish much more than you have ever dreamed of doing. Your daily world of work, school and homelife will take on a different dimension because you are learning to live within the natural laws of mind-body coordination.

written by Donald. L. Clark

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Pia@Net-Quest.com