What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, known by students as "O Sensei" (Great Teacher). O Sensei was highly skilled in a variety of martial arts, including jujitsu and swordsmanship. He was also a devoted student of religion and philosophy. Thus, he developed aikido with a fundamental difference in spirit from other martial arts. Because its intention is to seek peace in the midst of conflict, aikido is often referred to as the "Art of Peace."
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, known by students as "O Sensei" (Great Teacher). O Sensei was highly skilled in a variety of martial arts, including jujitsu and swordsmanship. He was also a devoted student of religion and philosophy. Thus, he developed aikido with a fundamental difference in spirit from other martial arts. Because its intention is to seek peace in the midst of conflict, aikido is often referred to as the "Art of Peace."
While it may appear soft and smooth, aikido is a powerful and dynamic martial art that uses the energy of the attacker to control and overcome the opponent. However, despite its potential for strenuous activity, aikido is not generally considered a sport since most styles do not involve tournaments or competetive matches.
How is Aikido Different?
Aikido is purely a defensive martial art based on a philosophy of nonviolence and nonaggression. The techniques emphasize "active non-resistance" to control and overcome the opponent. Rather than clash with the attacker, we blend with and redirect the attacker's energy and force. As a result, men and women of all ages may practice it effectively. Because the techniques have been developed to avoid permanent injury to an attacker, students may theoretically practice at full power without fear of injury.
Aikido is purely a defensive martial art based on a philosophy of nonviolence and nonaggression. The techniques emphasize "active non-resistance" to control and overcome the opponent. Rather than clash with the attacker, we blend with and redirect the attacker's energy and force. As a result, men and women of all ages may practice it effectively. Because the techniques have been developed to avoid permanent injury to an attacker, students may theoretically practice at full power without fear of injury.
Testing
Although aikido is generally not competetive, testing is conducted periodically in order to ensure standardized and quality instruction, and to help students gauge their own proficiency. Testing is not mandatory, and should not be rushed. Chushin Aikikai follows the USAF testing requirements for rank; each student is required to participate in a minimum number of practice days in order to be eligible for testing. The requirements can be found on the USAF website (click here).
Testing is always at the discretion of the sensei.
Regardless of rank, all students wear a white belt until the level of shodan (black belt).
Although aikido is generally not competetive, testing is conducted periodically in order to ensure standardized and quality instruction, and to help students gauge their own proficiency. Testing is not mandatory, and should not be rushed. Chushin Aikikai follows the USAF testing requirements for rank; each student is required to participate in a minimum number of practice days in order to be eligible for testing. The requirements can be found on the USAF website (click here).
Testing is always at the discretion of the sensei.
Regardless of rank, all students wear a white belt until the level of shodan (black belt).