Aikido

Aikido (the way of harmonizing the energy of the universe) is first and foremost a martial art. At its most basic level Aikido is a system of throwing, joint-locking, striking, and pinning techniques, coupled with training in the use of sword, staff and knife techniques. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early twentieth century and has now grown to be one of the world's most popular martial arts.

As a form of Budo (the martial way), Aikido offers mere than just a fighting art. It is a path of personal discovery and character improvement. The path on which you have taken the first steps is different for each person, but if you train diligently you will see improvements in many areas of your life. Some of the benefits include increased physical fitness, improved self-confidence and greater awareness of yourself and your boundaries as well as those of people around you.

The most fundamental concept of Aikido is that "harmonizing" with an attacker. In practical terms, an exponent of aikido will use the force of an attack against their aggressor to apply a lock, throw or pin. When pulled the Aikidoka (practioner of Aikido) moves forward in the direction of the attack. When pushed, the Aikidoka pivots out of the way. In this way, Aikido enables one to redirect the force of the attack until it is no longer a threat. In this weakened position, the attacker then becomes vulnerable to various forms of controls (ways of directing an attacker to a final pin), or throws. Underpinning this theoretical basis is a number of principles and methods, all integral to cultivating a greater understanding of the Art of Aikido itself.

The first of these methods concerns the roles of both 'shite' and 'uke'. In traditional Aikido training, shite and uke are training partners, not opponents. As a 'pair', both will work for each other, fostering an atmosphere suited to the application and research of often dangerous lock and throws. Such a high level of co-operation helps you to re-conceptualize an attack from hostile and destructive force to a positive facilitator of your Aikido technique.

Aikido also employs the concept of 'Shuchu-ryoku' or focused power. This is the ability to focus your power into one point. Using the power of the hips, legs, knees, abdomen, etc, harnessed together to focus your energy towards one aim, the power generated is greater than the power of the muscles alone. It is the Aikidoka's ability to generate such power that enables a smaller and comparatively weaker person to apply techniques on a larger and stronger opponent.

Breath power or 'kokyu-ryoku', is when sensitivity, breathing and rhythm are brought together to allow the Aikidoka to read and direct uke's movement. It is not necessary to do any special training in order to develop breath power, you will develop it through consistent training. For the Yoshinkan Aikidoka, the combination of correct posture, centre line, breathing, the explosive power of focused energy and timing might be understood as the 'ki' in Aikido. Although there are many interpretations of such a complex word, it might be said that "ki" is the "mastery of balance".

OSU!

Contact and Information

Aikido Shudokan Indonesia

Postal Address:
Jl. Buah Batu no. 296
Bandung, Jawa Barat
Indonesia

E-mail Address:
aikido_shudokan_indonesia@yahoo.com

Contact Person:
Sensei Mark A. Hadiarja
Telepon: +62-812-2012333
Fax: +62-22-7311938

Dojo Address

Aikido Shudokan Indonesia

Dojo Dago
Jl.Prabudimuntur no. 4
Bandung
Jawa Barat
Indonesia

Dojo Surya Sumantri
Jl. Surya Sumantri no. 18
Bandung
Jawa Barat
Indonesia