Aikido as martial-art
Aikido is a so-called martial discipline. An Aikidoka learns to interact with himself and others rather than to fight. We therefore speak of a ‘partner’ rather than an ‘opponent’.
Patience, concentration, a balanced relaxed posture and awareness are both means and ends. One learns to react alertly to others and the environment, by perceiving ‘intentions’ (small changes, which may lead somewhere). If one is able to do this, ‘fighting’ is usually unnecessary.
The main difference with other martial arts is that it has no competition element. Competitions and tournaments are absent in Aikido, as these only fuel self-doubt. Ultimately, this gets in the way of Aikido’s real purpose. Both advanced and beginners therefore practise together in our dojo.
Unlike karate, for instance, kicks and punches are not an essential part of our techniques. Like judo, Aikido does not aim to pull an ‘opponent’ off balance. An Aikidoka tries to make use of the strength of his ‘opponent’ to render him/her harmless. By simply stepping aside before an attack and using some often subtle movements to lead the other person into a position they do not want.
The following techniques are used in Aikido: kime (clenching), nage (throwing), kokyo (breathing technique), boken, jo and tanto (weapons), tai-sabaki (turning), kuzushi (balance) et al. Weapon and empty-hand techniques are basically the same.
Weapons are mainly used to control and improve both stance (shizei) and distance (mahwai).
Breathing exercises are of great importance in Aikido, because with them we learn to develop a force that everyone already possesses by nature: KI (life energy).
This power is much more important than muscular strength. Through practice, this individual ki gets stronger and stronger and does not weaken during ageing. This is in contrast to muscle strength.