About Aikido
Aikido is a relatively young martial art, developed in Japan by Morehei Ueshiba (O’Sensei), in the early 1920’s. O’Sensei believed that budo (the way of the warrior) should follow the laws of nature, be in harmony with them and serve to protect them. He wanted aikido practitioners to be in harmony with others and become balanced and integrated individuals.
“Aikido has been called one of the most subtle and sophisticated of the martial arts, and – at its higher levels – an effective discipline for the development, integration and utilization of all man’s powers, physical and mental (spiritual)”
(Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, 2001).
Aikido is essentially non-competitive and non-aggressive.
The basic principle of Aikido is Aiki (harmony) when dealing with an attack.
The word aikido means “method or way [do] for the Coordination or Harmony [ai] of Mental Energy or Spirit [ki]“.
The philosophy of Aikido is to teach self-development and mind/body coordination. Aikido is a self-discipline rather than an imposed discipline, and students are encouraged to develop their skills at their own pace. Aikido practice can be vigorous and it is recognised as a very effective form of self-defence.
Realistic attack is an integral part of our training programme.
The Tenshin style of Aikido puts equal emphasis into training the Uke (the training partner who attacks then receives the technique). The Uke is expected to practice good and realistic attacks, then practice their Ukemi (rolls or falls after receiving the technique). This practice works in two ways, first the Uke gets very good at taking their Ukemi, but more importantly it allows the Nage ( person doing the technique) to practice good technique with realistic attacks.
There are hundreds of different techniques that can be learnt in Aikido that look great and provide good training for movement and flow with a partner. It is important to understand the difference between dojo training and a street defence application so when the need arises you know what to do.
Self Defence Training
Aikido is a non combative martial art and through the use of evasive techniques and flowing movement, it forms a very effective art for self defence.
Effective self defence techniques need to be practiced until they become natural so they can be used in a real life situation without freezing up or panicking. Our training style gives a relaxed approach which enables people to train their awareness to prevent first then knowing how to react in a self defence situation.
At our West Auckland Branch there is a particular focus on your Aikido training giving you quick results by utilising “Small Circle Aikido”. “Small Circle Aikido” offers you efficient techniques that are more suitable to those that want to learn skills within shorter time frames while still learning about the beauty and effectiveness of Aikido.
With this training you will learn strategy for covering most common situations in an urban environment such as: common head strikes from all directions, common grabs, improvised weapons such as wrist watches, ball point pens, any household object or we will look at any object you wish to discuss.
With any self defence training you will need to put in the time with commitment to attend regular classes.
Children Training – Little Warriors
We like to promote learning through a fun environment for children using exercises, games and techniques. Children have the opportunity to explore their abilities, to focus their attention and to push themselves physically, emotionally and mentally. Aikido teaches children “how to be strong” and how learning to stay calm and relaxed can be much stronger than anger, force and aggression.
Weapons Training
The Jo (wooden staff)
The Bokken (wooden practice sword)
Sword Arts (Daito – long sword (Katana) )
The Tanto (wooden training knife)
We practise at various levels to include self defence when attacked with these or similar weapons. Our weapons training is progressive leading to high level training with the real sword and knives.
Our sword arts are based on Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaijutsu or Unequalled Direct-Lineage Eishin Style Iaijutsu