Aikido

Aikido (合氣道) is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who is often referred to as Ōsensei (大先生/翁先生), "Great Teacher", as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks. Aikido can be categorized under the general umbrella of grappling arts.

Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term aiki-jūjutsu. Many of Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending on when they studied with him. Today aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques learned from Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.

For more information, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido

Who is Koichi Tohei?

"Aikido has grown explosively since World War II. Koichi Tohei, a distinguished contributor to this development, is perhaps one of those most qualified to talk about the history of aikido. Most of the active aikido shihan (even those 7th dan and above) in the world today were taught, at one time or another, by Tohei." by Stanley Pranin, Aikido Journal #107 (1996). For more information, please visit Aikido Journal

"One of the most important Aikido instructors—a man known worldwide for his early efforts in disseminating the art—is Koichi Tohei, 10th dan. Tohei Sensei’s contributions to the art are legion: development of a technical curriculum based on ki principles, later known as Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido; publication of many of the first books in English on Aikido; personal training of several prominent athletes including homerun hitter, Sadaharu Oh, and sumo champion, Chiyonofuji; the first man to receive a 10th dan in Aikido, directly from the Founder Morihei Ueshiba." by Aikido Journal.

Shinshin Toitsu Aikido

Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (心身統一合氣道) is an Aikido style developed by Koichi Tohei sensei who is the only certified 10th Dan of Aikido awarded by the Aikido founder Osensei Morihei Ueshiba.

Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, meaning "aikido with mind and body unified", is commonly referred to as Ki-Aikido. It has specific teaching methods based around the development of mind and body coordination and ki. Much of this teaching is based on the four basic principles to unify mind and body and the five basic principles of Aikido, which are:

Four major principles to unify mind and body:
1. Keep one-point.
2. Relax completely.
3. Keep weight underside.
4. Extend Ki.

Five basic principles of Aikido:
1. Ki is extending.
2. Know your partner's mind.
3. Respect you partner's intentions(Ki).
4. Put yourself in place of your partner.
5. Perform with confidence.

For more information, please visit our affiliated Eastern Ki Federation website at www.easternkifederation.com.