[ ncsu : student organizations : aikido : background ]
Aikido is a traditional Japanese Martial Art based on the principle of non-resistance. It is a highly effective form of self-defense that does not require great size or strength to perform because an attacker's force is used to your advantage.
In Aikido we never resist the power of the attack head on. Instead, we yield and redirect the initial attack using dynamic circular movements to unbalance the assailant. The attacker (or attackers) is then subdued using a variety of throws and joint-locking techniques, rather than potentially crippling punches or kicks.
The objectives of Aikido are to unify mind body and spirit, to harmonize the individual's ki (energy) and the ki of the universe, and to develop the ability to live naturally in a constantly changing world. Hence the name Ai-Ki-Do - "The Way of Harmony with the Universal Force (ki)"
Aikido is not a sport. There are no competitive tournaments. Aikido is not about fighting.
Since Aikido practice is done with a partner, you learn from others and help others learn from you. This creates an open, healthy spirit in the dojo. In short, Aikido is good for your body, your mind and heart. And it's fun!
>>> Read about the founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba.
Aikido practice sessions are generally the same regardless of where one chooses to study. The sensei, or instructor will demonstrate a techniqe. Then each class member will pair up with another student and practice the technique. Several techniques will be demonstrated during the course of a class.
Inside the dojo, students should show respect for one another. Aikido is not a contest. Techniques are usually practiced slowly at first, as one should desire to develop correct form. Speed will come in its own time. Each student is responsible for the safety of themselves and their partners. Dangerous horse-play is not allowed.
Since Aikido is not a sport, we do not have tournaments. Instead, a dojo will sponsor a weekend seminar and invite Aikidoka (aikido people) from surrounding dojo to participate. A seminar usually consists of a Friday evening workout, practice all day Saturday, a party on Saturday night and another workout Sunday morning. Sometimes the instructors at the host dojo will take turns teaching the classes, on other occasions a shihan is invited to teach the seminar. The shihan, high ranking Aikidoka, were the uchi-deshi, live-in apprentices, of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. There are only about a dozen shihan living in the United States.
Aikido has a kyu/dan ranking system. Beginners are mukyu, or unranked. When the first test is passed, one becomes gokyu, or fifth kyu. The kyu grades count down until ikkyu, first kyu. The next test is for shodan, first-degree black belt. The highest ranking shihan in the United States hold the rank of eighth degree black belt. In the East Coast Aikido Federation all kyu ranks wear white belts with no markings to distinguish between kyu grades. Those who reach the dan levels wear black belts as well as the hakama, the black or dark blue divided skirt worn by the samurai. Other Federations and Associations of Aikido may have colored belt systems and different numbers of kyu ranks.
For more information on Aikido see: Aikido Links