Aikido, the "purely Japanese Budo" (martial art), developed rapidly after the Second World War. Today, not only in Japan, but also worldwide, Aikido is growing in popularity. Even in very diverse cultures in the world, Aikido appeals widely to people of all ages, from children to older people.
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The reason for this is that Aikido techniques use physical power naturally. Aikido power (or KI) comes from the universe and the earth. In Aikido we take our opponent's power, pushing or pulling, and turn it to our own advantage by the use of certain techniques. There is no disadvantage from age, gender, and physical strength. It is not necessary to practice energetically, and everyone can learn the techniques.
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Ordinary practice is pure "Budo". There is no competition. Repeatedly an offensive move is neutralized by a defensive technique and we improve these techniques by constant practice. Nobody wins or loses. There is no sense of superiority or inferiority. We can always improve the techniques by practising with our opponents with the harmony of clear minds. Therefore Aikido is known as the "martial art of harmony".
Go to Yoshinkan and Master Kancho Sioda
(photographs by Hirofumi Ajiro)
