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Excerpts from Takemusu Aikido Volume
I by Morihiro Saito with Stanley Pranin
pages 1-5
It is
difficult to appreciate the uniqueness of modern aikido without an understanding of its
extraordinary founder, Morehei Ueshiba. This innovative man presents a challenge to historians not
simply because he lived in an earlier age very different from their own he was unusual even for his
own time and cultural context. His esoteric views are heavily influenced by the doctrines of the
Omoto religion and are barely comprehensible to modern Japanese. The challenge faced by foreign
aikido devotees who hope to absorb the founders of philosophy is made even greater by the
formidable barrier of the Japanese language. The task would be seemingly hopeless were it not for
the aikido techniques themselves, which offer everyone an avenue of approach to the essence of the
art, irrespective of language or culture. Page 5
The martial art of aikido has in recent
years achieved wide recognition both in Japan, its birthplace, and abroad. This is a natural
result of the steady growth of the art over the past 40 years and, more recently, its
portrayal in Hollywood films, seen by literally hundreds of millions of people. Although
correctly identified as a martial art, aikido is apt to be lumped together in the publics
consciousness with other well known fighting arts such as judo, karate, kung fu, and tae kwon
do.
How does aikido differ from these other martial systems? Apart from the clear-cut differences
in technique, aikido is unique in that is solely in art of self defense. Aikido entirely
lacks attacking movements, a phenomenon which reflects its philosophical and ethical principles.
Other martial systems possess both offensive and defensive techniques, and many of them have come
to stress the sporting aspect. This is the case, for example, with judo, an Olympic sport
since 1964, karate, and tae kwon do, as well as various other arts. For many practitioners of these
martial forms, participation and victory in competitions are more important than learning
techniques for self defense. The emphasis in
aikido is on the spiritual growth of the individual for the acquisition of defensive skills.
The ethical dimension of aikido permeates every aspect of its practice both on and off
the training that. And the philosophy of Aikido's founder, Morehei Ueshiba, aikido is a
means for uniting people into a "one world family." It is not a means for hurting others, but
is rather a way of "loving self protection. Ideally, when
confronted with the situation of physical conflict, the skilled aikido practitioner applies
only the amount of control accessory to neutralize the attack, at the same time seeking to
avoid injury to the attacker. In fact, serious devotees of aikido aspire to an even
higher level. They attempt to live life in such a way that they are sensitive to
conflict and potential violence in all circumstances, be it on an interpersonal, societal, or
any other level. Situations of
physical confrontation are to be anticipated and avoided altogether through the cultivation
of self confidence, heightened awareness, and foresight. The realization of this goal
inevitably requires many years of diligent practice. But aikido is a lifelong
discipline, and sincere practice brings with it ever improving technical skills and a deeper
understanding of human nature.
Since its goals are distinct from other combative of arts, aikido tends to attract persons
interested in its principles of harmonious interaction and conflict with resolution. Those
who are primarily interested in acquiring fighting skills for street defense or for purposes of
competition quite naturally gravitate to other martial arts. But it would be incorrect to
assume that aikido practice is not vigorous or that its techniques are ineffective. Practice
in the traditional matter as taught by its founder, Morehei Ueshiba, aikido retains a strong
martial edge. Techniques are executed firmly, but without violent intent. Powerful
joint-locks and pending movements control and immobilize the adversary without causing crippling
injury. Aikido techniques are indeed capable of causing serious bodily damage or even death.
However, the principles of aikido proscribe such destructive behavior.
pages 1-3
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