"Aikido" can be translated many ways such as "The way of Harmonising with Energy'" or "A way of coming to harmony with the life force of the universe.".
AI roughly translates as "harmony", KI as "universal life force" and DO as "way" or "path."
Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei)
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Aikido is a modern traditional Japanese martial art (gendai Budo) founded circa 1925 by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to his followers as O'Sensei ("Great Teacher"). Martial arts were to form Ueshiba's life. even from an early age, he was encouraged by his father to take up Sumo and Judo. He also had an interest in the older forms of Jujutsu and was taught by Takaki Kiyoichi, a Jujutsu teacher invited by Ueshibas father to train him in the purpose built Dojo on their family farm. Although in 1915, Ueshiba met a man called Sokaku Takeda, a teacher of Daito ryu Aiki Jujutsu. The teachings he received from him were to provide the foundations of technique on which Aikido was built. Although the purpose of Aikido wasn't just a physical method of training. In 1919, Ueshiba met Onisaburo Deguchi, a priest of the Omoto-kyo sect of Shinto who influenced Ueshiba spiritually. He once stated that while Sokaku Takeda opened his eyes to the essence of Budo, his enlightenment came from his Omoto-kyo experiences. During his early 40s (around 1925), Ueshiba had several spiritual experiences which so impressed him that his life and his training were forever changed. An in-depth time-line of Ueshibas life can be viewed here < O'Sensei's studies into swordsmanship through the Shinkage ryu and the Yagyu ryu heavily influenced the basis of Aikido both phsically and mentally. He also practiced Sojutsu (spear), the Juken (bayonet) and demonstrated techniques using a folded war fan (tessen) Concepts were borrowed from classical Japanese fencing (Kenjutsu) and incorporated into the empty handed techniques of Aikido. |
About Aikido
| The techniques practised in Aikido are used to throw or control a partner by moving in harmony with the aggressors attack using circular movements. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. |  |
Because of the emphasis on moving harmonisouly, no strength is required in Aikido techniques. they may be practiced by men and women of all ages and fitness levels. |  |
At the core of all types of Aikido, we may identify at least two fundamental things: A commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible and acommitment to self-improvement through Aikido training.
Our Aikido
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Hallamshire Aikido club's teacher,
Mark Headleand is taught by George Forbes Sensei (5th Dan)
who is an avid sports and fitness enthusiast - he has been dedicated to
the practise of Martial Arts for over 40 years, Aikido being 35 of those
years!
Throughout this time Mr Forbes has undertaken a quest for self-development, which has enabled him to capture a wealth of understanding and experience. Rather than being a closed individual studying a single art, Mr Forbes has tried to understand the principles behind many arts and use this knowledge to improve his own training and instil this on to his students. Currently the President of Shobu Aikido U.K. Mr Forbes is committed to the cultivation of relationships within the Shobu Federation and other federations and practitioners, such as the E.A.F. |
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Hallamshire Aikido Club practices traditional Aikido. Our influences are many but the main ones are; George Forbes Sensei, and also leading instructors from the E.A.F. (European Aikido Federation) such as Tomas and David Sanchez. In the Dojo, empty handed techniques are shown alongside armed techniques (paired weapon work and disarming) as well as Aikido in a seated position and attacks from multiple assailants. All of which is underpinned by a strong base, grounded in the foundations of Tamura Shihan, 8th Dan (An uchi-deshi of O'Sensei) Lessons learnt inside the Dojo can be applied outside in daily life, not just physically but mentally and spiritually too. This is practicing 'Shobu Aikido' - The way to martial wisdom. |