Sunday, August 26, 2018

Aikido Dojo San Francisco Philosophy

By Roger Williams


When it comes to different martial arts, it's true that most of them try to balance body and mind, some more efficiently than others. They all thrive to self-improvement and provide excellent defense techniques as well. All eastern techniques have this spiritual part within, and it would be hard to imagine them without it.

All Eastern martial arts require training as well as balanced mind and body and you will benefit whichever you choose. Even so, if you find out more about the philosophy practiced in Aikido Dojo San Francisco, you might fall in love in this particular martial art instantly. This one really deserves your attention, and for a good reason.

The word Aikido is actually made using three different words. 'Ai' means harmony, 'ki' stands for energy, but also spirit, while 'do' stands for path, in other words, a way. So, the word can be translated as the harmonious and spiritual path, or the way of the spirit and harmony. High ideals, elegant outlook and highly efficient defense techniques, and this is only the beginning.

Although this is the youngest Japanese martial art, founded in the beginning of the twentieth century, by famous O-Sensei, or The Great Teacher, Morihel Ueshiba, it is bases on Traditional Japanese techniques and Samurai tactics. Actually, O-Sensei Morihel Ueshiba was the master of many other techniques, such as Jujitsu, Kenjutsu, and Sojitsu first, but really interested in spiritual and religious aspects.

O-Sensei's flawless technique proved to be more powerful than mere strength, and his legacy of non-violence made him not only popular, but also highly appreciated. His methods are based on defense without harming your attacker, and his philosophy is based on harmonizing your movements with the movements of the universe.

That's why this technique is just perfect for anyone, regardless of age or any other factors. And it brings, beside of a great ability of defending yourself, also many other benefits for your health, body and mind. It improves general and cardiovascular health, concentration, flexibility, physical strength and your general balance, to start with.

And another thing. This type of balanced training have a great impact on your self-confidence, conditioning your mind, body and spirit, and, as a result, you will start feeling better in your own skin, finding your own life path. If you are primarily interested in building strength and fighting with others, this might not be something for you.

So, comparing to other martial arts, this one is focused on defense, but without causing harm to your attacker. Most attacks are linear by nature, and Aikido uses circular movements to disarm those attacks, for example, using wrist locks. This way, you actually harmonize your movements with the movements of your attacker, unbalancing him without confronting him directly.

Aikido is a true Budo. This means that it is a martial art based on traditional Japanese warrior arts, on ancient Samurai battle tactics, but dedicated to perfecting the spirit. O-Sensei used to say that the secret is in harmonizing your movements with the movements of the Universe. His Mahatsu Agatsu statement states that the true victory is the victory over oneself.




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