Aikido of Greensboro
About Aikido
Aikido can seem almost magical at first, with
attackers flying through the air or writhing in pain from what appear to
be effortless movements on the part of the defender. However, it's not
magic but movement that makes Aikido so effective.
In Aikido you learn how to blend with the motion
of an attack, redirecting the assailant’s movement into dynamic throws or
painful pinning techniques. Aikido relies on relaxed evasive movement
rather than speed or brute strength and can be practiced by men and women
of all ages.
Aikido is not a sport. There are no competitive
tournaments or contests. You learn through repetitive practice in an
energetic and studious atmosphere.
The benefits of Aikido training go far beyond simple self defense. Aikido teaches you how to focus your mind, body and spirit into powerful unified action, creating a vital, perceptive and engaging personality
Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of
Aikido
Present day Aikido is the creation of a remarkable
man, Morihei Ueshiba, commonly
referred to as O-Sensei, or "Great Teacher". As a young man he mastered
Ken-jitsu (sword techniques), So-jitsu (spear techniques), and Ju-jitsu
(unarmed body techniques), and became one of the most renowned martial
artists of his day.
However, O-Sensei was also a man of profound spiritual
drive who brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over
others. While leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, he
struggled with this dilemma. It was resolved in a moment of profound
awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, O-Sensei's technical
mastery evolved into a martial art of unique refinement and astonishing
power, fundamentally different from those that preceded it. Aikido became
the physical expression of his spiritual beliefs.
"The secret of Aikido", he wrote, "is to harmonize
with the movement of the universe and to bring ourselves into accord with
the universe itself." O-Sensei maintained that budo is a work of love, a path to
overcome discord in ourselves and to bring peace to the world: "Aiki is
not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy. It is the Way to
reconcile the world, and make all living things one family". O-Sensei
taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not
mere theory", he said, "You must practice it". O-Sensei continued
practicing Aikido until his death on April 26, 1969 at the age of 86. The
Japanese government bestowed upon him its highest honor, declaring him a
Sacred National Treasure of Japan.