What dose Aikido Mean to you?

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[Ben_t_shodan]

What dose Aikido mean to you? Is it only a Physical form of "self defence"? or is it more?

[SeiserL]

Originally posted by Ben_t_shodan What dose Aikido mean to you? Is it only a Physical form of "self defence"? or is it more?

It is a form of self defense (though I have trained in others forms that certainly were a lot easier to become proficient in)AND it is more. Aikido can be whatever you want to use it for. Besides being a martial art, its great physical exercise art, its social, its philosophical, psychological, and spiritual.

Until again,

Lynn

[akiy]

A couple of past polls which relate to your question, Ben:

"Is self defense your primary reason for studying aikido?"

http://www.aikiweb.com/polls/results.html?poll_id=5

"Primarily, what kind of practice is aikido for you?"

http://www.aikiweb.com/polls/results.html?poll_id=35

-- Jun

[shihonage]

Sometimes it's small dose, sometimes it's medium dose :eek:

[SeiserL]

Originally posted by akiy

"Is self defense your primary reason for studying aikido?"

"Primarily, what kind of practice is aikido for you?"

Self defense is not my primary reason for studying Aikido. For that I have a 12 gauge pump shot gun with pistol gribs and various knives. (No, I am not kidding.)

What kind of practice is Aikido to me? Physically its 3 times a week, lots of sweat, and my best efforts. Its everyday in my head and life. It is physical, mental, psychological, philosophical, social, and spiritual. Most importantly to me, its fun.

Until again,

Lynn

[Don_Modesto]

Originally posted by Ben_t_shodan
What dose Aikido mean to you?

I started out wanting the subtle fighting "magic" promised by Tohei Koichi when I read his books in high school. Now however, the martial aspect is just the touchstone of the practice for me. I find myself continuing to practice more for the meditative aspects; the hypnotic effect of reps, connection (and its "trajectory" beyond KATATE TORI, e.g., to such things as seizing initiative upon UKE's attack), staying calm under pressure, concentration.

[Tony-kun]

To me Aikido is not a self defense at all, or a martial arts style either.:ai::ki::do: It basicly means what it says. A way of peace and/or harmony with ki. It could be translated in different ways. But the way I see it is more like a state of mind, a lifestyle, a way of doing all kinds of things. By doing things with a clear mind and respect everyone the same as they respect you, being pacifistic but still assertive. Independance, peace, harmony. It can be used for self defense if there's no choice but smart Aikido I say would be to stay out of any kind of trouble. But people have different views on this, I know alot of people don't see it that way(Such as Steven Seagal).

O'Sensei knows what Aikido is, he invented it. But people tend to go their own way with it, that's what happened.

[akiy]

For me, self defense is not my ultimate goal in aikido; rather, I'm using it as a way to become more aware of myself in various aspects.

However, the awareness process comes through my physical training in trying to make my aikido more physically and martially effective. I believe that the spiritual stuff comes as a byproduct of the physical training. For me, at least, what I do on the mat is aikido; what I do off the mat is not (as long as I'm not getting attacked and all).

As the founder said, "aikido is a budo"...

-- Jun