3. Aikido, the way of the unified energy
Aikido is part of what is called in Japanese a Budo and that is translated in French to martial art, or martial way. It is not a sport, nor an art of domination techniques.
Aikido is a quest for an harmonious relationship between the body, the heart-spirit and the Ki (vital energy). It is a serie of fluid and continuous movements, in which all the rigor and realism of fighting are present. It is with determination and precision that the partner, during the training, will attack. When the attacker wants to strike, the person that is executing the technique let the attacker think that the attack is possible. He/She let his/her own Ki come to his/her hands in order to guide the attacker. With his/her Hara, he/she draws the attacker, and in the movement, leads the attacker to realize that his attack is in vain. He/She guides the attacker to a place (by a projection or an immobilization) where there is no danger for either party. Three essential principles are present in the Aikido practice: Do not look: at the attacker or the object with which he strikes.
Do not wait: that the attacker strikes: it is necessary to start acting before the attack.
Don’t be open: do not let the body be hit during a technique. Aikido practice has no sense without the comprehension and respect of these three principles. Aikido, by its ethical and spiritual dimension, impacts all the aspects of training, on the tatami or outside. In the philosophy of the founder, Morehei Ueshiba, Aikido is a way to unify all human beings in a «Universal Family». It is not about hurting others, but rather to act with goodness at heart. This attitude does not prevent Aikido to keep its martial aspect. We repeat thousands of time the same techniques (waza), in order to polish our hearth and to purify our spirit. Slowly we find the freedom of the free and continuous motion. Aikido techniques are based on the movements of the hips. The rest of the body moves in harmony with the hips, the whole coordinated with breathing. Each movement has its rhythm and its vibration. The repetition of the movements allows for the discovery of the breathing-energy that comes from the center, slowly freeing the body from its tensions and finding a state of tonic relaxation. A supple and stable posture then develops itself, regardless of the age of the participant. In Aikido, the techniques that act on a specific part of the body, necessarily are related to the whole body. This seems to influence the capacity of the body to stay healthy. Aikido brings to all elements that are very useful: relationship with no winner and no loser, reactions to fear that are better adapted, the discovery of a stable center, emotionally and energetically. It allows for the development of self-confidence and self-esteem, lucidity and intuition. An individual through this training has a chance to experience his/her aggressivity potential in a ritualized environment. He/She learns progressively to direct it and to use it profitably for himselve/herselve and others. Aggressivity is a great vector of energy and creativity when its flux is harmonious and properly oriented. Contrary to popular believe with regard to martial arts, many woman practice Aikido.
It is open also to Children, for whom it represents a structural element and a source of equilibrium in the construction of their personality. (Children classes are limited to 12, with the regular presence of an assistant). April 14 2005 Jean-Charles Wälti (translated by Stephane Keller) |
