Aikido - The Path of Harmony
Aikido is not just another martial art. It's the study of how to deal with attacks and conflicts by blending instead of resisting. Aikido is an art for anyone that asks, "Is there a better way to deal with conflict that affirms and elevates life instead of devaluing or destroying it."
How we deal with conflict is a question that we face every day both as individuals and as a society. And it's not a question with an easy answer. It suggests that the real answers to our problems require a shift in how we see ourselves and our world. And the root of this shift is developing a heart of acceptance. Aikido is not the answer; it's the path that you follow in order to find the answers for yourself. Aikido has been called yurusu budo: the martial way of acceptance.
In practice, Aikido techniques don't attempt to control an attacker's strength by resisting it. The secret of effortless power is to flow with the force of the attack while effectively using balance, leverage and movement to bring it under control. By accepting the attack you can redirect it in a non-destructive way.
Studying and practicing Aikido will help you on many levels. You will become stronger, more centered and more balanced both physically and mentally. You'll learn to experience life with greater calm and clarity.
If you ask people why they do Aikido you'll get a variety of answers. "I feel calmer." "I'm more confident." "I deal better with my job and relationships." "It re-connects me with myself." "It's what I've always thought martial art training should be." And then there is simply the joy of human contact and physical movement that we are often missing in our life. Whatever the reason, Aikido ends up being a meaningful way of life for everyone who studies it. And the dojo (training hall) becomes a sanctuary and a laboratory in which we learn and explore in a safe, friendly and encouraging environment.
In the video above I demonstrate some of the forms of Aikido. We're not fighting. We are showing two person forms, what are often called "kata" in the martial art world. In most martial arts the forms are done solo, but in Aikido nearly all the forms are done with a partner. This way you are getting constant feedback about the power and effectiveness of your movement. My own training spans over 30 years so you're seeing a fairly advanced display of subtle and coordinated movement. What's important to see is the calm, balance and fluid movement and the avoidance of collision with the attack.
I've trained in a variety of martial arts in my life and I've always loved practice, but at some point simply learning a hundred new ways to hurt people becomes a very dark path. I'm happy that I've continued to train in Aikido over the years and that I can share this wonderful art with you. Please come and visit us to watch a class and see if Aikido is for you.
Philip Greenwood, Sensei
