Aikido concepts

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Aikido concepts are ideas that form the philosophical or technical basis of the Japanese martial art aikido.

Contents

Aiki

Aiki (合氣) means the defender blends without clashing with the attacker, then goes on to dominate the assailant through the application of internal strength or Ki energy to effect techniques. Blending with an attacker's movements allows the Aiki practitioner to control the actions of the attacker with minimal effort.

Hanmi

Hanmi (半身, half body) describes the idea that the sides of the body work as a unit (for example: left hand and left foot forward). Usually, though not exclusively, descriptive of the movement in Aikido. Closely related to the development of Chushin-ryoku.

Often used to refer to the triangular stance (kamae) of Aikido. Similar stances and the same word are used in other martial arts and traditional theater, including sumo and kyōgen.

Chūshin-ryoku

Chūshin-ryoku (中心力, center of power).

Chūshin-sen

Chūshin-sen (中心線, center line). The term is also associated with kendo.

Ichi-go ichi-e

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会, one time, one meeting) describes a cultural concept often linked with tea master Sen no Rikyū. The term is often translated as "for this time only", "never again", or "one chance in a lifetime". Ichi-go ichi-e is linked with Zen Buddhism and concepts of transience. The term is particularly associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, and is often brushed onto scrolls which are hung in the tea room. In the context of tea ceremony, ichi-go ichi-e reminds participants that each tea meeting is unique.

Irimi

Irimi (入り身, putting in the body) describes entering straight into a technique, as opposed to the more indirect entrance into technique called tenkan . Irimi usually looks like a step forward, straight or at an angle but usually ending with the body facing the attacker, rather than in the direction of the step. To enter with irimi, the defender needs to move in the very moment of the attack or even himself initiate it.

Katsu hayabi

Katsu hayabi (勝速日, victory at the speed of light) is a highly developed state in which an aikido practitioner has reached spiritual and moral perfection, and becomes immune to violence. "Victory" occurs at the speed of light -- meaning instantaneous—because an opponent cannot even begin an attack.

speed of light is much slower than "instantaneous"...


Kokyū-Ryoku

Kokyū-Ryoku (呼吸力, Breath Power) Is the concept of relaxed power generated from the tanden. There is an implication in the word kokyū that this type of power does not clash with uke. [1]

Kuzushi

Kuzushi (崩し, unbalancing) is the Japanese term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts. The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish. As such, it refers to not just an unbalancing, but the process of getting an opponent into a position where his stability, and hence ability to regain compromised balance, is destroyed.

Maai

Maai (間合い) refers to the space between two opponents in combat. It is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between opponents, but also the time it will take to cross the distance, angle and rhythm of attack. It is specifically the exact position from which one opponent can strike the other, after factoring in the above elements. For example, a faster opponent's maai is farther away than a slower opponent. It is ideal for one opponent to maintain maai while preventing the other from doing so.

Masakatsu agatsu

Masakatsu agatsu (正勝吾勝, true victory (is) self victory) [2] is a 4 character compound expressing a concept in Japanese martial arts, particularly aikido, referring to the true victory of self-mastery. [3] It was a common saying of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba which emphasizes that aikido is not a competitive martial art like judo or taekwondo.

Shinmu fusatsu

Shinmu fusatsu (真武不殺, true budo does not kill) states that in aikido one should not kill the opponent. It is related to the kenjutsu concepts of satsuninto (殺人刀 the sword that takes life; also satsujinken 殺人剣 [4] ) and katsujinken (活人剣 the sword that gives life). [5]

Taisabaki

Taisabaki (体捌き, handling well the body) relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. It is a term used widely in kendo, jujutsu, aikido, judo, karate and ninjutsu. Tai sabaki is usually used to avoid an attack, such that the receiver of the attack ends up in an advantageous position and it is often wrongly referred to as "evasion."

Takemusu

Takemusu (武産) was the concept developed by Morihei Ueshiba of how the ultimate martial art should be, how his aikido should be, an art which may harmonize all living beings and free techniques could be spontaneously executed. [6] [7]

In his latest years, Ueshiba developed the more spiritual aspects of his art and even adopted the name Takemusu Tsunemori, under which he left many paintings and poems. [8]

Tenkan

Tenkan (転換, convert or divert) is a 180-degree pivot to one's rear, on the lead foot.

Zanshin

Zanshin (残心, remaining mind) refers to a state of awareness – of relaxed alertness. The literal translation of zanshin is "remaining mind". Zanshin sometimes refers more narrowly to the body's posture after a technique is executed.

Yamabiko

Yamabiko (山彦) The concept of calling out the attack rather than waiting for the attacker. The term presumably comes from a poem by the founder. [9]

It is loosely related to the concept of Sasoi (誘い) or of inviting the attack.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aikido</span> Modern Japanese martial art

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that is split into many different styles, including Iwama Ryu, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, Shodokan Aikido, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Aikikai and Ki Aikido. Aikido is now practiced in around 140 countries. It was originally developed by Morihei Ueshiba, as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers from injury. Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the way of harmonious spirit". According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness. Morihei Ueshiba used the phrase masakatsu agatsu katsuhayabi" to refer to this principle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morihei Ueshiba</span> 20th-century Japanese martial artist

Morihei Ueshiba was a Japanese martial artist and founder of the martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" Kaiso (開祖) or Ōsensei (大先生/翁先生), "Great Teacher/Old Teacher ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu</span> Japanese martial art

Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, originally called Daitō-ryū Jujutsu, is a Japanese martial art that first became widely known in the early 20th century under the headmastership of Takeda Sōkaku. Takeda had extensive training in several martial arts and referred to the style he taught as "Daitō-ryū". Although the school's traditions claim to extend back centuries in Japanese history there are no known extant records regarding the ryū before Takeda. Whether Takeda is regarded as either the restorer or the founder of the art, the known history of Daitō-ryū begins with him. Takeda's best-known student was Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.

In Japanese martial arts, Irimi (入り身) is the act of entering straight into a technique, as opposed to the more indirect entrance into technique called tenkan. In basic training, irimi usually looks like a step forward, straight or at an angle but usually ending with the body facing the attacker, rather than in the direction of the step. To enter with irimi, the defender needs to move in the very moment of the attack or even himself initiate it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tenkan</span>

Tenkan is the Japanese name of a movement practiced in several martial arts. It is a 180 degree pivot to the rear, on the lead foot. That is, if the left foot is forward, the pivot is clockwise, and if the right foot is forward, the pivot is counter-clockwise.

Morihiro Saito was a teacher of the Japanese martial art of aikido, with many students around the world. Saito's practice of aikido spanned 56 years, from the age of 18, when he first met aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, until his death in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese martial arts</span> Martial arts native to Japan

Japanese martial arts refers to the variety of martial arts native to the country of Japan. At least three Japanese terms are used interchangeably with the English phrase Japanese martial arts.

Iwama-style Aikido(岩間合気道) is the style of aikido that was taught in Iwama by the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, and especially the lineage passed on through Morihiro Saito, a close disciple who was given responsibility over Iwama dojo by Ueshiba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aiki-ken</span>

Aiki-ken is the name given specifically to the set of Japanese sword techniques practiced according to the principles of aikido, taught first by Morihei Ueshiba, then further developed by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba's most prominent students. Currently, Iwama Shin-Shin Aiki Shuren-kai is the main proponent organization.

Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (心身統一合氣道) or Ki Aikido is a Japanese martial art, a gendai budo . It is part of the martial arts derived from aikido, which appeared after its founder's death in 1969. It started in early 70's with the creation of the Ki Society of Koichi Tohei, the previous Aikikai's Chief Instructor. This martial art focuses on mind and body coordination and is based on aikido techniques and Japanese yoga and promote non-violent conflict solving and self-development.

Seiseki Abe was a Japanese shodo and aikido teacher who had a unique relationship with aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, being both his student in aikido and his teacher in calligraphy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tai sabaki</span>

Tai sabaki (体捌き) is a term from Japanese martial arts and which relates to 'whole body movement', or repositioning. It can be translated as body-management. It is a term used widely in and very important in kendo, jujutsu, aikido, judo, karate and ninjutsu. Tai sabaki is usually used to avoid an attack, such that the receiver of the attack ends up in an advantageous position and it is often wrongly referred to as evasion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aiki (martial arts principle)</span> Japanese concept

Aiki, a Japanese budō term, at its most basic is a principle that allows a conditioned practitioner to negate or redirect an opponent's power. When applied, the aiki practitioner controls the actions of the attacker with minimal effort and with a distinct absence of muscular tension usually associated with physical effort.

Aiki-jō is the name given specifically to the set of martial art techniques practiced with a , according to the principles of aikido. Jō techniques were introduced into aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, aikido's founder, and further developed by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba's most prominent students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yoseikan Aikido</span> Aikido taught at the Yoseikan Dojo in Shizuoka, Japan

Yoseikan Aikido is the aikido taught at the Yoseikan Dojo in Shizuoka, Japan, under the direction of Minoru Mochizuki.

Though the art of aikido is characteristically different from other Japanese martial arts, it has a variety of identifiable styles within the family of organizations descending from the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba.

Kinomichi (氣之道) is a martial art in the tradition of budō, developed from the Japanese art aikido by Masamichi Noro and founded in Paris, France, in 1979. Masamichi Noro was one of the live-in students (uchideshi) of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. Designated "Delegate for Europe and Africa" by Morihei Ueshiba, Noro debarked in Marseille on September 3, 1961, preceding Nakazono and Tamura in the communal construction of a European and African aikido. In France, Kinomichi is affiliated with the Fédération Française d’Aïkido, Aïkibudo, Kinomichi et disciplines Associées (FFAAA) and maintains warm relations with the Aikikai Foundation and its leader, Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of aikido’s founder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jujutsu</span> Japanese martial art

Jujutsu, also known as jiu-jitsu and ju-jitsu, is a family of Japanese martial arts and a system of close combat that can be used in a defensive or offensive manner to kill or subdue one or more weaponless or armed and armored opponents. Jiu-jitsu dates back to the 1530s and was coined by Hisamori Tenenouchi when he officially established the first jiu-jitsu school in Japan. This form of martial arts uses few or no weapons at all and includes strikes, throws, holds, and paralyzing attacks against the enemy. Jujutsu developed from the warrior class around the 17th century in Japan. It was designed to supplement the swordsmanship of a warrior during combat. A subset of techniques from certain styles of jujutsu were used to develop many modern martial arts and combat sports, such as judo, aikido, sambo, ARB, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts. The official date of foundation of Jiu Jitsu is 1530.

Aikido techniques are frequently referred to as waza 技. Aikido training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (kata) rather than freestyle practice. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (uke) to initiate an attack against the person who applies the technique—the 取り tori, or shite 仕手, also referred to as (投げ nage, who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stanley Pranin</span>

Stanley A. Pranin was an American martial artist, founding publisher, and editor-in-chief of Aikido Journal. Pranin, a researcher and archivist of aikido, has written and published several books and many articles about aikido, Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, and Morihei Ueshiba and was an influential figure in the aikido world.

References

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  2. "正勝吾勝". 2009-04-10. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  3. "Agatsu: 吾勝". Aikiweb. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  4. "Aikido Journal: satsujinken". Archived from the original on 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  5. "Aikido Journal: Katsujinken". Archived from the original on 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2010-10-05.
  6. Pranin, Stanley A. (1993). Aikido Masters Vol I. Tokyo, Japan: Aiki News. pp. 10–11, 167. ISBN   4-900586-14-5.
  7. Ueshiba Morihei, Compiled by Stevens, J (1993). The Essence of Aikido. Japan: Kodansha. pp. 16, 29–30, 43, 45, 55, 82, 84, 89, 91. ISBN   4-7700-1727-8.
  8. Ueshiba Morihei, Compiled by Stevens, J (1993). The Essence of Aikido. Japan: Kodansha. pp. 39–94. ISBN   4-7700-1727-8.
  9. "Yamabiko no michi".