The
Japanese art of aikido was founded by Morihei
Ueshiba (1883-1969). Ueshiba sensei combined his
extensive martial arts training with certain religious and political ideologies,
creating a unique, modern martial art. He decided on the name
in 1942. The term translates as Ai: 'harmony', Ki: 'life force or energy',
Do: 'path or way'. Aikibudo was actually
the name originally chosen by O-sensei
in the thirties.
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After
the privations and problems that the war
created in Japan - as well as everything
that led up to it with him in China and
Mongolia, and Japan's military quest there
- he wanted to lessen the art's connection
with warfare. As a result he dropped the
martial concept down a notch by eliminating
the word 'bu' - leaving the name aikido.
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At
this time Ueshiba also eliminated some of
the more lethal techniques he used to teach
in order to make the art of aikido more
life affirming and less life taking. Still,
there are a few aikibudo clubs today, teaching
the old style.
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The
art is considered to be non-aggressive, as the aikidoka does
not instigate the attack. One of the basic principles of the art is not to fight force
with force (the same as in judo and jujutsu).
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Most styles
use very few punches and kicks. Rather
than blocking and punching (or kicking), the attacker's
force is redirected into throws, locks and restraining techniques.
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The
art is rooted in several styles of jujitsu -
the basis also for modern judo. Daitoryu-aikijutsu
is the major influence, along with sword and spear
fighting arts. |
You're
not too far off if you think about this
martial art as
joint
locks and throws from jujitsu, combined with the body movements of sword
and spear fighting. Still, many techniques
would be the direct result of Ueshiba's own lenghtly studies and rather unique innovations.
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There is more
than one philosophy - and indeed more than one form of the art!
It is true though that most aikido styles
share common belief and movement systems
based on ethical, physical and metaphysical
principles. |
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Aikikai
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The
original style as taught
by Ueshiba sensei. Aikikai Honbu
('headquarters') is led by the
Ueshiba family. Another branch
- often referred to as a separate
style - is Iwama Aikido style.
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Chudokan
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A style
that is a merging of Yoshinkai, Yoshokai and some
Aikikai.
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Iwama Aikido
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A style
or branch of Aikikai. Iwama
Aikido style was led by Morihiro
Saito. His son took over in
2003 when his father passed
away.
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Ki society
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Koichi Tohei (10. dan) began training under O Sensei
(Ueshiba) in 1939. He introduced the
art to the United States in
Hawaii in 1953. Tohei separated from the Aikikai and formed the Ki Society in 1974.
As
the name suggests, the style
focuses heavily on the principle
of ki/chi. |
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Korindo
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A style
formulated by Minoru Harai.
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Keijutsukai
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Keijutsukai
is the aikido style of Thomas
Makiyama.
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Kokikai
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Kokikai is developed by Shuji Maruyama.
The style is said
to be "a journey to self-mastery
through martial arts training". |
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Seidokan
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A Los Angeles based organization founded by Roderick T. Kobayashi
from Hawaii.
Seidokan style has a strong influence from the Ki Society.
Seidokan is
said to emphasize the balanced practice of principle and techniques.
The purpose of the system is to further develop the art so that it is better
suited for the modern way of life. |
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Seiseikai
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Seiseikai
is the style of Kiyoyuki Terada.
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Tomiki
style
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Developed by Kenji Tomiki, who studied directly under both Ueshiba, and Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. Tomiki was the first of
Ueshiba's senior students to be awarded a menkyo kaiden ('teaching license').
The
Tomiki form is a synthesis of
sorts between aikido and judo, bringing to bear the training methods of
judo (especially sparring and competition) upon the techniques of aikido.
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Yoseikan |
Yoseikan or Yoseikan budo is a composite martial art developed by Minoru
Mochizuki (1907-2003).
The style incorporates elements of the pre-war aiki budo of Ueshiba, as well as elements of many other martial arts: judo, aikijujutsu,
karate, jujutsu, kenjutsu, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, iaijutsu, kendo
etc. |
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Yoshinkan |
Gozo
Shioda (10. dan) was a
student of Ueshiba from 1932-1941. He established Yoshinkan
in 1955, and contributed greatly to the revival of the martial art in post-war Japan.
Author of several books in Japanese and English.
The Yoshinkan style is harder
than the original style of Ueshiba.
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Yoshokai |
Style
established by Takashi Kushida
(in 1990), who studied Yoshinkan.
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The training teaches the use of several martial arts weapons such as
Tanto (a knife), Jo (short staff) and Bokken (wooden sword).
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