Is
aikido a sport? Are there aikido tournaments?
Is
Aikido effective in real situations?
To answer
this question we need to define what we mean when we say "real
situations". If we mean any form of tournament, then the answer is that
aikido is not a sport and has no tournaments. On the other hand, if what you
mean by a real situation, it has to do with what you have seen on television or
cinema, it is good to know that in the entertainment industry these is the so
called fighting choreography, a specialized technique designed to
create the illusion of real battle conditions.
The Founder
of aikido, and many of his students were forced to respond to challenges, which
have carried out successfully by building a solid reputation around the effectiveness
of aikido. So aikido is taught in the military and police forces around the
world.
Given that
it is impossible to define all the conditions and possibilities of attacks that
may occur in a real situation, it is not possible to design appropriate techniques
for each emergency scenario.
However,
even though the goal of aikido is not limited to self-defense, aikido
strengthens the mind and body, while teaching principles that will ultimately
form the basis for an appropriate response to a situation.
Why are
some technical differences between the instructors of aikido?
Aikido
consist of techniques based on physical movements. The natural movements of
different people differ due to various reasons such as anatomy, age etc..
Although
the core techniques of aikido is specific, there is no a strict technical
application course, apart from common sense and the principles of nature. The
applications of aikido techniques are natural and spontaneous, and therefore
are diverse and multifaceted. However, there is a common spiritual and
technical axle that of the Founder, which unifies the different approaches.
Are
There different styles of aikido?
If we use
the term style of aikido, we draw distinct lines degrading the
universality of the art. Certainly there are several systems that use the name
of aikido, some of which have been created by former students of the Founder
and some of them may recommend competitions, which is opposed to the teaching.
So regardless of the name or similarity, the deviation from the spirit of the
Founder is not aikido.
What do
I need to start Aikido?
First you
need to find a school. Most clubs have websites where you can get various
information (e.g. biographical notes, affiliation with organizations abroad,
locations, contact info, etc..). Do not hesitate to visit a
school and watch a class after you ask permission.
-When Can
you start?
One can
start aikido, at any time during the year.
-And If I'm
not fit?
Aikido is
not a sport but a martial art. There is a difference and therefore no
particular physical condition is required to start. Along with the training,
each trainee develops gradually physical and spiritual qualities, according to
their own pace and without competition with their fellow practitioners.
-How to
choose a good dojo?
The good
dojo is not necessarily the closest to your home. We recommend that you pay
particular attention to the following points:
1. safety
conditions and rules.
2. respect
and friendliness.
3. the
awareness of the instructors.
4.
recognition of the school, instructors and certificates.
Are
there rules in aikido?
Unlike many
other masters of martial arts, who tended to express complex rules for their
dojo, the Founder required his students to simply follow the natural common
sense. Yet, as aikido was spreading, older students asked the Founder to
establish some kind of guidelines for training. "Times have changed, it
seems," Morihei Ueshiba replied with a smile and came up with the
"Precautions for Aikido Training".
1. Aikido
techniques can be instantly lethal so it is essential to observe the
instructor’s direction at all time and not engage in contests of strength.
2. Aikido
is an art in which "the one" is used to strike "the many."
Train yourself to be mindful of attacks coming from four and eight directions.
3. Always
train in a vibrant and joyful manner.
4. The
instructor can only impart a small portion of the teaching. Only through
ceaseless training can you obtain the necessary experience to bring these
mysteries alive.
5. In daily
training, begin with basic movements to strengthen the body without
overexertion. Warm up properly, and there will be no fear of injury, even for
older people. Enjoy yourself while training and strive to comprehend its true
purpose.
6. The
purpose of Aikido training is to forge the body and mind and to build one’s
character. The techniques are transmitted from person to person on an
individual basis, and should not be disclosed indiscriminately to outsiders,
nor used for evil purposes.
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*Aikido Terminology
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*Aikido Terminology