Aikido - Martial Arts
Aikido is an art with its origins rooted
in feudal Japan. Today it is practiced to develop a sense of awareness,
physically and spiritually, to give the student not only self-defense
skills, but also the self discipline to control the conflicts one faces
in daily situations.
Traditional study methods of martial arts are nearly extinct in today's society. Tournament competition and the desire for profit have seriously undermined the real benefits of a commitment to personal improvement through the study of disciplines that were never meant for sport. The improper attitudes prevalent today in martial arts organizations have led to a loss of a deeper understanding and wisdom that dedicated study should bring to a student. Martial arts are not about trophies, colorful uniforms, profits or prestige. It is about developing an inner peace and confidence in knowing that effectiveness in self-defense is the result of training to understand all the factors inherent in a given situation.
To talk of harmony and justice is simple but to apply those principles to the conflicts which we face everyday requires a deep understanding and sincere trust. Logic may tell us that truth lies within the process of harmony, but the moment something of value rests on the outcome of a situation we no longer trust that logic. The beautiful ideas and eloquent phrases are forgotten under the pressure of reality. In philosophy a theory of truth is expressed in words, but the truth of Aikido is expressed in action, the theory of proven practice. By the physical application of its principles we develop a deeper understanding in the heart instead of the mind. Through practice and experience we learn to trust its power. Aikido training is to challenge yourself, not the other. You will develop confidence by facing your fears, and negative fighting spirit will become creative fighting spirit. The stress and pressure of serious Aikido training brings this spirit to the surface, exposing it so that it can be examined and refined in a controlled atmosphere of respect and mutual study. Discovering your physical limitations will cause you to strive for a level of consciousness above selfish ego, closer to a universal consciousness.
The physical movement of Aikido is the embodiment of the principle of the spirit. Negative force
is not met with conflict, but joined, controlled and redirected through the power and balance of
spiral movement. This the shape of Aikido and the dynamic shape of the foundation of all the
energies of existence. Aikido movement can only be understood from its roots in universal law
and the processes of nature. Its sincere study deepens our appreciation for the perfection of
nature's balance and brings us back into harmony with our environment, with other people, and
with ourselves.
Tri-City Aikikai
1941-A Midway Ave., Petersburg, VA
Ph: (804) 536-4217
© 2008-2009 Tri-City Aikikai. All Rights Reserved.