nia aikido club
London
Aikido is a modern defensive Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba,
referred to by many as O’Sensei (Great Teacher). Its emphasis is placed on
spherical movement to create dynamic and explosive techniques that render an
attacker harmless. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could
use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. Move
like a beam of light; fly like lightning, Strike like thunder, whirl in circles
around a stable center. - Morihei Ueshiba Morihei Ueshiba MORIHEI UESHIBA,
AIKIDO FOUNDER, 1883-1969 What is Aikido Aikido is often translated as "the way
of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the way through spirit and harmony". It
operates on the principle or tactic of blending with an attacker's movements for
the purpose of controlling their actions with minimal effort. The Aikido
practitioner does not rely on muscle strength but concentrates the power of the
whole body onto the weak point of an opponent, forcing him/her to cooperate
using his/her own force and momentum. This attribute defines Aikido's
effectiveness and beauty as a martial art. Several approaches to Aikido have
evolved over the years. Today Aikido is found all over the world in a number of
styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, the core
essential principles of the martial art remain consistent. WHY PRACTISE AIKIDO?
Aikido is more than simply an efficient method of self-defense. In practice,
there are various facets of Aikido - the power of focus and concentration of
energy; the concept of blending and unified non-resistance; the awareness of
self and others. Traditionally, Aikido is a form of Budo – a “martial way”.
Unlike other arts, Aikido technique can be applied at varying levels of
severity, from the most gentle controlling techniques to the most severe
countermeasures. One question that people who practise Aikido are often asked is
why they do it. Although many people think of Aikido as a martial art only for
self-defence, it has a range of physical and mental benefits as well: Physical
benefits of Aikido - Regular Aikido practice can, over time, improve: Balance
Posture Flexibility Co-ordination Reaction speed General fitness Mental benefits
of Aikido - Aikido also offers unique mental benefits through practice.
Self-confidence Self-control Self-awareness Awareness of others Conflict
management Stress management and relaxation
