Aikido is a modern martial art developed and founded by the late Morihei Ueshiba, or O Sensei (1886-1969) as he is more commonly known. It is the youngest of the traditional budo arts of Japan, yet nonetheless one that is firmly grounded in ancient disciplines and timeless philosophy.
Aikido is based on traditional samurai sword, spear and grappling techniques, which have been modified to create a practice that is harmonious and noncompetitive. It is a martial art that relies on circular movement and joint manipulation rather than physical strength to execute its pins and throws and thus resolve conflict. It is more than self defense in that it embraces the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of martial training.
Aikido is not a sport. It is a discipline.
Aikido is an educational process for training the mind, body and spirit. Practitioners will generally experience increased levels of flexibility and coordination with continued practice, as well as heightened levels of self awareness. Physical technique is not the true object, but a tool for personal refinement and spiritual development.
The actual translation of the Japanese term "Aikido" is as follows:
Ai - Harmony , unity, to join or become one with. The word carries the feeling of strength and power of natural forces.
Ki - Spirit; the life force or vital energy; the essence of universal creative energy.
Do - The Way or Path.
"The Way means to be one with the Will of the Universe and embody its function. If you are even slightly apart from it, it is no longer the Way." - O Sensei
Arakawa Sensei
Nobu Arakawa Sensei, Godan, is the instructor at Tampa Aikikai. He continues to train and instruct under the auspices of Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei, Hachidan, of the New York Aikikai as he has for over two decades. Yamada Sensei is the president of the United States Aikido Federation and one of the original students of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.
