Common terms, phrases and attacks used in Aikido.

Uke – Person being thrown

Nage – Person throwing

Posture (shizentai gamae):

Migi gamae – right side

Hidari gamae – left side

Sankakutai – typical Aikido triangular stance

Ma-ai – Distance between the nage and uke.

Stances (Hammi):

Ai hammi – Both persons take migi gamae or hidari gamae at the same time

Gyaku hammi – reverse stance

Gedan – hand position low

Chudan – hand position medium

Jodan – hand position high

Attacks:

Shomenuchi – Frontal attack to top of head

Shomenu-tsuki – Frontal attack to eyes

Munetsuki – Frontal punch

Yomenuchi – Frontal-angular attack to side of head/neck

Katate-tori – Wrist grab

Kata-tori – Shoulder grab

Katate-tori hantai / Kosa-tori – cross hand grab

Kubi-shime – Choke hold

Katate-tori Ryote-mochi – Two hands grab one hand

Ryote-tori – Grab both wrists

Ryokata-tori – Grab both shoulders

Randori – Multiple man attack

Hanmi Handachi-waza – Nage in sitting position and uke standing

Suwari-waza – Nage and uke perform techniques on knees

Jiyu-waza – Free Style

Jo-tori – Staff taking

Tanto-tori – Knife taking

Kumi-jo – Paired jo kata practice

Kumi-tachi – Paired bokken practice

Taijutsu – Empty hand practice

Irimi – Direct entry

Tenkan – Indirect or outside entry Body makes complete turn around attack.

Atemi – Hand strikes

Jiyu-waza – Free style

Jo – Staff

Suburi – Sword/ bokken practice

Shikko – Knee walking

Aikido has progressed from its origins and these origins have been through a line of masters worldwide. This article explores the careers of these masters right down from the creator of the martial art to subsequent protégés.

O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba 12/14/1883 – 4/26/1969

When the O Sensei had completed his training in different forms of swordfighting and jujitsu, Ueshiba became quite famous as one of the strongest men of his time in Japan. Later on sometime around 1919 he became a convert to the teachings of the Omoto-Kyo religion and developed Aikido otherwise known as the Art of Peace. In 1942 the art was renamed Aikido and Ueshiba moved to the small town of Iwama where he taught Aikido until his death in 1969.

Kenki Tomiki 1900-1979

Tomiki was one of the earlier students of the Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. He was also a student of Jigoro Kano who was the one who founded the art of Judo. He joined Morihei Ueshiba in 1925 and in the same year he hard his 5th dan grading in Judo. In 1929 he represented the Miyagi Prefecture in their first judo tournament which was held with the Emperor attending. From 1936 to time of the Second World War he stayed in Manchuria where the taught Aikbudo which was an early form Aikido to the Kanton army as well as the Imperial Household Agency. In the year 1938 he was an assistant professor at the Kenkoku University which was also in Manchukuo. He was also awarded first 8th dan in Aikido in 1942 and was awarded an 8th dan in judo at the same time. When he returned from three year sojourn in the Soviet Union, he taught people both Judo and Aikido at the same time at the Waseda University.

Morihiro Saito Sensei 3/31/1928 – 5/12/2002

9th Dan Aikikai. Being an Iwama native, Morihiro Saito started training in Aikido in 1946 and became not only a student, but he was also a close confidant of O-Sensei for the following 23 year. When the founder’s died he was put in charge of the Iwama dojo and became the guardian of the Aiki-shrine. Later on he was known for his books, his clear and structured way of teaching, and the organization of the huge number of techniques that became part of the Iwama-Ryu Aikido.

Hitohiro Saito Sensei 2/12/1957 -

6th dan Aikikai. B. Iwama, Ibaragi Prefecture. Aikido instructor. He was the only son and successor of Morihiro Saito. He started his Aikido training quite young at age seven under his father and Morihei Ueshiba. He features quite well in the Takemusu Aikido technical manual by Morihiro Saito. He frequently travels to countries around the world at the same time in order to deliver seminars.

Pat Hendricks Sensei 9/25/1955 -

6th Dan Aikikai. In 1975, Pat Hendricks commenced her Aikido career in Monterey, California. From the 1977, she has been travelling frequently to Japan for extended periods of time in order to study and learn as a live-in student under the tutelage of the famed Saito Sensei in Iwama. The dojo she currently has is called the Aikido of San Leandro and she gets some of the best students from the entire world including Japan. She also holds the highest possible degree in Aiki Ken and has a Jo Certification as well. She is also certified to test Aikido experts for the United States.

Michael McVey Sensei 9/28/1956 -

4th Dan Aikikai. Michael McVey was supervised by Pat Hendricks 6th dan. Michael is also a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has been a licensed Special and Elementary Education Teacher. Michael has been teaching Aikido since 1989 since he started in 1984. He completed one year as an uchi deshi (apprentice instructor) for Hendricks Sensei in 1991.

Tetsuro Niriyama 11/21/1947

Tetsuro is a Japanese aikido teacher and he is the technical director of the Japan Aikido Association and he was also chief instructor (Shihan) of the Shodokan Hombu Dojo in Osaka, in Japan. He was appointed to this position by the first Kenjo Tomiki one of the Morihei Ueshiba’s first uchi-deshi.

Aikido can be used for various things such as exercise and training. Aikido can also be taught to other people as well. This article stipulates the do’s and don’ts of any activity that involves Aikido.

Ever since the time where Aikido was developed in the hands of its creator Morihei Ueshiba, the martial art has evolved through a number of some serious changes. Because of the need to teach, practice and train with Aikido, the martial art has been evolved into so many different forms. Regardless of these changes Aikido still retains the same basic principles which make it a martial art that is designed to achieve peace and harmony without the use of undue force.

BEFORE YOU PRACTICE

If you are already an Aikido practioner and you have enrolled for the necessary classes, you should then seek to familiarize yourself with all that you probably have to know about the art. Aikido starts once you have gotten into the dojo or the particular place where all teachings and demonstrations along with training take place.

Aikido trainees are taught and expected to exercise and observe the right manners at all times. These are some guidelines for people who have just commenced their training and exercises in Aikido.

1. Attendance is important and a must. This is the only way that an individual can make any improvement in Aikido. Attendance may not be mandatory in most dojos but you have to understand that in order for you to learn you mustn’t miss your training so you don’t miss any of the teachings and trainings of Aikido.

Practicing at least twice a week is recommended for a person to gain some advancement in Aikido. Other than the fact that the person may miss out on something, Aikido can also help you develop your self-discipline as well.

2. Training should be your own responsibility. As with any other martial art, Aikido requires that you have attention as well as dedication in order to succeed. Since you’re the person interested in learning the martial arts you should handle your exercise and training routines as well. As soon as you have decided to practice Aikido you should also be ultimately responsible for your proficiency.
3. Aikido isn’t just about one single technique. Other than the simple aspect of physical demonstrations you can train in Aikido and utilize observation and modification of the physical and psychological patterns that govern your thought and behavior. Because of the varying techniques that have to be learnt a student has to know how to react to circumstances so that they can create the necessary awareness.

4. You should make sure that you take the time out to memorize the basic teachings that the martial art espouses. Aikido is a non-aggressive way to defend you and as such most forms of Aikido training involve the use of cooperative activities.

If you really want to learn Aikido properly and excel in it, you should be cooperative enough when you’re training with your partner. Some aikido technique can kill or damage the body of the person’s body.

5. In Aikido it is also essential that you get prepared for any eventuality. Aikido is a dynamic martial art and it can be very difficult for you to understand if you have not prepared yourself in all aspects. Part of your training will be learning to cope with the different frustrations that are part of your training.

Article Source: http://www.aikidopages.com

Weapons aren’t encouraged in Aikido due to the nature of the martial art but despite this fact the study of weaponry is encouraged. This article explores some of the more popular weapons used in Aikido and how they are used.

Aikido is am all-encompassing martial art. A practitioner of these arts will be taught methods of using both armed and unarmed combat effectively. If you have to execute armed attacks you will have different throws to study which can guarantee you maximum efficiency. Other things that you will have to study include strikes, joint lock techniques as well as vital points. You will also learn mystery attacks that teach you how to immobilize your opponent without physically laying your hands on the, Armed attacks will also involve the use of different kinds of weapons such as swords, knives, sticks as well as spears. Anything that can be used as a weapon in Aikido will be employed here.

On the whole a huge number of Aikido classes are taught using some weapons exclusively these weapons are the jo or staff, tanto or knife and the bokken or sword. These three weapons are the main weapons of choice and combat when practicing Aikido and there are a number of reasons why these are the choice of weapons. Aikido has a strong foundation in different martial arts and proficiency with these weapons will lead to equal proficiency with other different types of weapons.

Aikido’s founder Morihei Ueshiba who was also called O Sensei or Great Teacher by his students was particularly skilled with the use of the staff. He incorporated the use of the staff as a weapon technique with some basic Aikido movements. Of all the weapons however, the most influential of the lot is the sword which has its influence on all the development stages of Aikido and its techniques.

Aikido students can measure the distance between attacks with effective weapons training. Distancing is called ma-ai in Aikido and it is very important in the timing or defense of an attack. If you’re considering defense it is also necessary to train with weapons as well since Aikido techniques which are advanced involve you training against people who carry different types of assault weapons.

One other weapon which is used when training in Aikido is the katana, which is a single edged and slightly curved sword which is known in the world of martial arts as the sword of the samurai. Weapons training in Aikido will involve you also learning how to handle the tanto which is a short blade. The tanto was a favorite of male and female samurai during their time as well.

One more weapon in Aikido training is the ninja-to , a sword which is a favorite of Ninjas. Samurais also have wakizashi swords to use as well. These swords are two feet long and can be used together with the katana. The jo is a four feet long wooden staff which is used in Aikido and other martial arts. When you use Aikido with a jo , the resultant technique is known as Aiki-Jo. This involves and integration of the techniques of Aikido along with the use of the jo to show the principles of Aikido along with a weapon.

Aikido doesn’t naturally encourage the use of weapons since its primary aim is to avoid injury and defend instead of attack. However, Aikido practitioners understand that people who have weapons have advantages in actual combat and thus they are taught how to effectively counter attacks through different means.

Aikido is one of those martial arts that focus on both the use of the body as well as the mind. It doesn’t place and emphasis on physical skills but it also places an emphasis on the spirituality of practitioners and other people who wish to study the art.

Aikido employs moves that are more of a defensive than offensive nature. It aims not to injure but to prevent or stop a person. Weapons are rarely used in Aikido but mostly movements and different techniques. Some advanced practitioners in the art of Aikido however tend to employ the use of weapons. The weapons in Aikido are the tanto, the jo and the bokken. At this advanced stage techniques are taught which focus on taking weapons from your opponents and keeping these weapons.

Rather than the focus on specific weapons Aikido experts focus on the moves that they were taught with. By mastering these movements they can effectively handle people whose only aim is to harm them.

These are some of the movements and techniques that are taught in Aikido.

Ikkyo

This is the most basic Aikido movement. This is the first thing that you will be taught. The Ikkyo will make use of control in your grip by applying hand grip on your elbow and close to your wrist. This grip in turn will apply pressure on the medial portion of the arm known as the ulna.

Atemi

Atemi are strikes which are designed to attack the vital areas of the body. These moves are meant to cause major damage and are rarely used in Aikido. Despite this fact if you use Atemi you can easily get out of brawls and difficult situations. You can easily break the concentration of your opponent and surprise them by startling them. If you use these attacks properly you can also ruin the balance of your opponent. This is also an opportunity for you to strike or flee.

In Aikido you can also use a kick although it is not particularly encouraged due to the injuries that they can cause. Kicks also weren’t common in the formative years of the martial art.

Here are some forms of strikes that are often used.

Face-thrust – Ganmen-tsuki is the Aikido name and it is quite complex but this move is simply a punch to the face.

Front-face – This is also called Shomenuchi in aikido language, and it is a vertical knife strike to the head of an opponent.

Side-face – This is called Yokomenuchi and this strike can be made by making a diagonal knife-hand strike to the side of a person’s neck or the side of the head of an opponent.

Chest-thrust – This is called Mune-tsuki and in its true essence it is a punch to the torso, targeting the chest, the solar plexus and the abdomen

Attacks

Attacks are not encouraged in Aikido but teachers of the art often recommend it in a situation that requires a more offensive technique. One type of attack in Aikido is the immobilizing grab which is used when your opponents have weapons.

Grabs

This is a basic Aikido technique and it is among the safest and easiest to carry out. It can be used to free your hand, get rid of your opponents’ weapon and immobilize a person as well.

Fighting in the dojo isn’t the same thing as fighting in the streets. This article explores the differences between Aikido in the dojo and combat in real-life situations and shows you how to adapt in these varying situations.

The power over life and death can be held quite easily in the hands of a single individual. This individual may choose to slow down when people are crossing the road or to squeeze the trigger when hunting for deer. Certain unsavory elements in society will cause great harm so that they can get money easily instead of working hard for it. A person can easily fall victim to these criminals when you’re walking to your car after you’ve completed your shopping or when you’re returning home from work at a late hour.

The presence of the police at every crime isn’t a guarantee so the best thing is to be prepared at all times. Preparation in its best form will involve the study of a martial art. An individual doesn’t need the skills of Bruce Lee but can learn how to deliver a simple yet effective punch. One popular and peaceful means of protection is Aikido. During actual Aikido combat the purpose is not to kill or injure the opponent. The ultimate aim is to subdue your opponent by employing minimum force so that you can easily get to safety.

Different Dojos and centers of study around the country instruct on Aikido. A person can easily register in one of these centers of learning and move up the Aikido ranks. Beginners start learning by using techniques that are based primarily in training area the shape of a square. When these individuals develop their skills, they will proceed to a triangle and from there to a circle. This whole phase takes months to achieve and requires commitment for the duration of the entire process.

The aim is that the person learns the various techniques by employing the least amount of effort. By doing this a person can have the energy to succeed in combat with more than one person involved. In practice things like hold, falls and grips are quite incomparable with what goes on in the real life situations in the streets. An inexperienced person can do anything so a student should be prepared for any eventuality in real life.

The great thing about all this is that competitions are held on a regular basis in order to test combat skills effectively. A student can easily register especially if their own dojo participates in such tournaments. Whenever you’re practicing or during competitions a person should focus on lowering the tempo of the battle and refrain from injuring their partners. The real battles will occur out in the streets and should only be as a last resort.

A situation may occur where the person attacking you is some proficient in martial arts, in such a situation the only way to win is to employ the mind as by doing this you can react faster during the fight. Different secrets exist in Aikido. These secrets range from simple hand to eye coordination to the simple flexibility of persons wrists as well as their breathing and their speed. These different things will eventually count for something as the person is trying to handle a life or death situation.
Article Source: http://www.aikidopages.com

A complete mastery of Aikido will take the understanding of the different concepts that are unified through a proper understanding of the art. The different underlying concepts of Aikido such as the concept of Ki and the relationship between the Uke and Nage are discussed in this article.

The martial art of Aikido has its origins in both spirituality and philosophy. It is also influenced by the Omoto-kyo religion which was the religion of its founder Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is derived from three Japanese characters. “Ai” translates to joining; “Ki” means spirit while “Do” means a way. If you translate this loosely this becomes a way of joining the spirit.

Aikido focuses on the alignment and the harmonization of a person’s body and mind with the spirit. This can only be achieved if a person remains in a relaxed state. In such a relaxed state nothing is forced so the body of an individual joins the spirit and energy around naturally, everything then becomes one. This certain oneness and the cultivation of relaxation led to this martial art being referred to as the art of peace. Ueshiba who founded the art believed in peace and he claimed to teach Aikido as a peaceful means to end all aggression. Both spiritual and philosophical developments are essential in the training and practice of Aikido. These concepts have to be applied in practical means during the practice of Aikido and its different methods. Aikido training consists of two parts; the first of these parts is called the Uke who is the recipient while the Nage can be the giver. These terms may usually differ depending on the particular Aikido skill that is being taught.

The Uke and Nage is similar to Ying and Yang in Chinese lore. In Aikido Uke and Nage aren’t diverse entities, they are primarily two parts of a singular concept. Aikido can be effectively studied by a thorough understanding of both parts. One part of Aikido teaches you to throw and fall safely as well. The Nage part of your training prevents injury to the Uke so that he can fall safely when thrown.

In Aikido training the receiver of the Uke will be the one to start the attack against the Nage. The aim of the Nage is to neutralize the attack with an Aikido move or technique, by doing this the Uke and Nage can easily learn from each other and the training cannot be effectively taught without a singularity existing between the two. The give and take natures of these two personalities are the basis from which Ki and other principles of Aikido are studied and learnt.

The fundamentals of Aikido deal with adaptation, flexibility, calm and blending with the situation. With the cases of both Uke and Nage, what Aikido imparts is flexibility and relaxation so that the Nage does not catch you unawares and throw you off balance easily. The Nage learns how to blend easily and control the energy from the assault of the Uke. Aikido training isn’t solely focused on practicing and parrying between these two persons. Aikido training also provides instructions on how to handle different attackers.

This principle of handling multiple attackers is known as the randori and it is an essential concept that is studied in higher levels of Aikido training. Aikido training of this nature is taught to multiple persons and is delivered in a freestyle nature, this way a person can effectively further their knowledge by performing Aikido techniques that extend far beyond the simple realms of the Uke and Nage.

O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba 12/14/1883 – 4/26/1969

When the O Sensei had completed his training in different forms of swordfighting and jujitsu, Ueshiba became quite famous as one of the strongest men of his time in Japan. Later on sometime around 1919 he became a convert to the teachings of the Omoto-Kyo religion and developed Aikido otherwise known as the Art of Peace. In 1942 the art was renamed Aikido and Ueshiba moved to the small town of Iwama where he taught Aikido until his death in 1969.

Kenki Tomiki 1900-1979

Tomiki was one of the earlier students of the Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba. He was also a student of Jigoro Kano who was the one who founded the art of Judo. He joined Morihei Ueshiba in 1925 and in the same year he hard his 5th dan grading in Judo. In 1929 he represented the Miyagi Prefecture in their first judo tournament which was held with the Emperor attending. From 1936 to time of the Second World War he stayed in Manchuria where the taught Aikbudo which was an early form Aikido to the Kanton army as well as the Imperial Household Agency. In the year 1938 he was an assistant professor at the Kenkoku University which was also in Manchukuo. He was also awarded first 8th dan in Aikido in 1942 and was awarded an 8th dan in judo at the same time. When he returned from three year sojourn in the Soviet Union, he taught people both Judo and Aikido at the same time at the Waseda University.

Morihiro Saito Sensei 3/31/1928 – 5/12/2002

9th Dan Aikikai. Being an Iwama native, Morihiro Saito started training in Aikido in 1946 and became not only a student, but he was also a close confidant of O-Sensei for the following 23 year. When the founder’s died he was put in charge of the Iwama dojo and became the guardian of the Aiki-shrine. Later on he was known for his books, his clear and structured way of teaching, and the organization of the huge number of techniques that became part of the Iwama-Ryu Aikido.

Hitohiro Saito Sensei 2/12/1957 -

6th dan Aikikai. B. Iwama, Ibaragi Prefecture. Aikido instructor. He was the only son and successor of Morihiro Saito. He started his Aikido training quite young at age seven under his father and Morihei Ueshiba. He features quite well in the Takemusu Aikido technical manual by Morihiro Saito. He frequently travels to countries around the world at the same time in order to deliver seminars.

Pat Hendricks Sensei 9/25/1955 -

6th Dan Aikikai. In 1975, Pat Hendricks commenced her Aikido career in Monterey, California. From the 1977, she has been travelling frequently to Japan for extended periods of time in order to study and learn as a live-in student under the tutelage of the famed Saito Sensei in Iwama. The dojo she currently has is called the Aikido of San Leandro and she gets some of the best students from the entire world including Japan. She also holds the highest possible degree in Aiki Ken and has a Jo Certification as well. She is also certified to test Aikido experts for the United States.

Michael McVey Sensei 9/28/1956 -

4th Dan Aikikai. Michael McVey was supervised by Pat Hendricks 6th dan. Michael is also a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has been a licensed Special and Elementary Education Teacher. Michael has been teaching Aikido since 1989 since he started in 1984. He completed one year as an uchi deshi (apprentice instructor) for Hendricks Sensei in 1991.

Tetsuro Niriyama 11/21/1947

Tetsuro is a Japanese aikido teacher and he is the technical director of the Japan Aikido Association and he was also chief instructor (Shihan) of the Shodokan Hombu Dojo in Osaka, in Japan. He was appointed to this position by the first Kenjo Tomiki one of the Morihei Ueshiba’s first uchi-deshi.

Aikido Terminology

Uke – Person being thrown

Nage – Person throwing

Posture (shizentai gamae):

Migi gamae – right side

Hidari gamae – left side

Sankakutai – typical Aikido triangular stance

Ma-ai – Distance between the nage and uke.

Stances (Hammi):

Ai hammi – Both persons take migi gamae or hidari gamae at the same time

Gyaku hammi – reverse stance

Gedan – hand position low

Chudan – hand position medium

Jodan – hand position high

Attacks:

Shomenuchi – Frontal attack to top of head

Shomenu-tsuki – Frontal attack to eyes

Munetsuki – Frontal punch

Yomenuchi – Frontal-angular attack to side of head/neck

Katate-tori – Wrist grab

Kata-tori – Shoulder grab

Katate-tori hantai / Kosa-tori – cross hand grab

Kubi-shime – Choke hold

Katate-tori Ryote-mochi – Two hands grab one hand

Ryote-tori – Grab both wrists

Ryokata-tori – Grab both shoulders

Randori – Multiple man attack

Hanmi Handachi-waza – Nage in sitting position and uke standing

Suwari-waza – Nage and uke perform techniques on knees

Jiyu-waza – Free Style

Jo-tori – Staff taking

Tanto-tori – Knife taking

Kumi-jo – Paired jo kata practice

Kumi-tachi – Paired bokken practice

Taijutsu – Empty hand practice

Irimi – Direct entry

Tenkan – Indirect or outside entry Body makes complete turn around attack.

Atemi – Hand strikes

Jiyu-waza – Free style

Jo – Staff

Suburi – Sword/ bokken practice

Shikko – Knee walking
Article Source: http://www.aikidopages.com

Ever since the time where Aikido was developed in the hands of its creator Morihei Ueshiba, the martial art has evolved through a number of some serious changes. Because of the need to teach, practice and train with Aikido, the martial art has been evolved into so many different forms. Regardless of these changes Aikido still retains the same basic principles which make it a martial art that is designed to achieve peace and harmony without the use of undue force.

BEFORE YOU PRACTICE

If you are already an Aikido practioner and you have enrolled for the necessary classes, you should then seek to familiarize yourself with all that you probably have to know about the art. Aikido starts once you have gotten into the dojo or the particular place where all teachings and demonstrations along with training take place.

Aikido trainees are taught and expected to exercise and observe the right manners at all times. These are some guidelines for people who have just commenced their training and exercises in Aikido.

1. Attendance is important and a must. This is the only way that an individual can make any improvement in Aikido. Attendance may not be mandatory in most dojos but you have to understand that in order for you to learn you mustn’t miss your training so you don’t miss any of the teachings and trainings of Aikido.

Practicing at least twice a week is recommended for a person to gain some advancement in Aikido. Other than the fact that the person may miss out on something, Aikido can also help you develop your self-discipline as well.

2. Training should be your own responsibility. As with any other martial art, Aikido requires that you have attention as well as dedication in order to succeed. Since you’re the person interested in learning the martial arts you should handle your exercise and training routines as well. As soon as you have decided to practice Aikido you should also be ultimately responsible for your proficiency.
3. Aikido isn’t just about one single technique. Other than the simple aspect of physical demonstrations you can train in Aikido and utilize observation and modification of the physical and psychological patterns that govern your thought and behavior. Because of the varying techniques that have to be learnt a student has to know how to react to circumstances so that they can create the necessary awareness.

4. You should make sure that you take the time out to memorize the basic teachings that the martial art espouses. Aikido is a non-aggressive way to defend you and as such most forms of Aikido training involve the use of cooperative activities.

If you really want to learn Aikido properly and excel in it, you should be cooperative enough when you’re training with your partner. Some aikido technique can kill or damage the body of the person’s body.

5. In Aikido it is also essential that you get prepared for any eventuality. Aikido is a dynamic martial art and it can be very difficult for you to understand if you have not prepared yourself in all aspects. Part of your training will be learning to cope with the different frustrations that are part of your training.

Aikido is often seen by some as the modern Japanese Budo. This martial art places and emphasis on a person developing their physical and spiritual selves, Aikido basically means a way for the body to harmonize with the spirit. It is also a study of the laws of nature and how best these laws can harmonize perfectly with the mind and body of an individual.

Aikido is am all-encompassing martial art. A practitioner of these arts will be taught methods of using both armed and unarmed combat effectively. If you have to execute armed attacks you will have different throws to study which can guarantee you maximum efficiency. Other things that you will have to study include strikes, joint lock techniques as well as vital points. You will also learn mystery attacks that teach you how to immobilize your opponent without physically laying your hands on the, Armed attacks will also involve the use of different kinds of weapons such as swords, knives, sticks as well as spears. Anything that can be used as a weapon in Aikido will be employed here.

On the whole a huge number of Aikido classes are taught using some weapons exclusively these weapons are the jo or staff, tanto or knife and the bokken or sword. These three weapons are the main weapons of choice and combat when practicing Aikido and there are a number of reasons why these are the choice of weapons. Aikido has a strong foundation in different martial arts and proficiency with these weapons will lead to equal proficiency with other different types of weapons.

Aikido’s founder Morihei Ueshiba who was also called O Sensei or Great Teacher by his students was particularly skilled with the use of the staff. He incorporated the use of the staff as a weapon technique with some basic Aikido movements. Of all the weapons however, the most influential of the lot is the sword which has its influence on all the development stages of Aikido and its techniques.

Aikido students can measure the distance between attacks with effective weapons training. Distancing is called ma-ai in Aikido and it is very important in the timing or defense of an attack. If you’re considering defense it is also necessary to train with weapons as well since Aikido techniques which are advanced involve you training against people who carry different types of assault weapons.

One other weapon which is used when training in Aikido is the katana, which is a single edged and slightly curved sword which is known in the world of martial arts as the sword of the samurai. Weapons training in Aikido will involve you also learning how to handle the tanto which is a short blade. The tanto was a favorite of male and female samurai during their time as well.

One more weapon in Aikido training is the ninja-to , a sword which is a favorite of Ninjas. Samurais also have wakizashi swords to use as well. These swords are two feet long and can be used together with the katana. The jo is a four feet long wooden staff which is used in Aikido and other martial arts. When you use Aikido with a jo , the resultant technique is known as Aiki-Jo. This involves and integration of the techniques of Aikido along with the use of the jo to show the principles of Aikido along with a weapon.