| The History Of Aikido
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Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba
(often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher').
On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws
and joint locks that are derived from jiu-jitsu and some
throws and other techniques derived from kenjutsu. Aikido
focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on
using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw
them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great
emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Aikido is applicable self-defence technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. |
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O Sensei
emphasised the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great
weight on the development of harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way
that "Aikido" may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although different
styles emphasise the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser degrees. Although the idea of a
martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of
the art.
Aikido was originally developed by one man, O Sensei. Many students who trained under O Sensei decided to spread their knowledge of Aikido by opening their own dojos. Due, among other things, to the dynamic nature of Aikido, different students of O Sensei interpreted his Aikido in different ways. Thus different styles of Aikido were born. Each style has its own strengths and weaknesses, but all are firmly rooted in the basic concepts which make Aikido the unique art that it is. None should be considered superior or inferior to any other, but rather an individual must find a style which best suits him or her. Outside factors such as geographic location may of course limit one's options. |
Traditional Schools - Pre WWII
| Aiki-Budo | This is the name given to the art O-sensei was teaching early in his development. It is very close in style to previously existing Jutsu forms such as Daito-ryu Aiki-jutsu. It is considered to be one of the harder forms of Aikido. Most of the early students of O-sensei began during this period and much of the early practice overseas was in this style (e.g. Abbe-sensei's teaching in the UK in the 50s). |
| Yoseikan | This form was developed by Minoru Mochizuki, who was an early student of O-sensei and also of Kano-sensei at the Kodokan. This style includes elements of Aiki-Budo together with aspects of Karate, Judo and other arts. |
| Yoshinkan | This is the style taught by the late Gozo Shioda. Shioda-sensei studied with O-sensei from the mid-30s. After the war, he was invited to begin teaching and formed the organization known as the Yoshinkan. Unlike many later organizations, the Yoshinkan has always maintained friendly relations with the Aikikai both during and after O-sensei's life. The Yoshinkan is a harder style of Aikido, generally concerned with practical efficiency and physically robust techniques. It is taught to many branches of the Japanese Police. The international organization associated with the Yoshinkan style of Aikido is known as the Yoshinkai, and has active branches in many parts of the world. In recent years, there have been a number of offshoots of this style, usually developing for political reasons. |
Traditional (modern) Schools - Post WWII
| Aikikai | The Aikikai is the common name for the style headed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba, O-sensei's son, as taught under the auspices of the International Aikido Federation. Most regard this school as the main-line in Aikido development. In reality, this "style" is more of an umbrella than a specific style, since it seems that many individuals within the organization teach in quite a different manner. The Aikido taught by Ueshiba-sensei is generally large and flowing, with an emphasis on a standard syllabus and little or no emphasis on weapons training. Other teachers within the auspices of the Aikikai (like Saito sensei) place much more emphasis on weapons practice. |
| Iwama-ryu | The style taught by Morihiro Saito, based in the Iwama dojo, is generally considered sufficiently stylisticly different from mainstream Aikikai that it is named individually, even though it still is part of the Aikikai. Saito-sensei was a long time uchi-deshi of O-sensei, beginning in 1946 and staying with him through his death. Many consider that Saito-sensei was the student who spent most time directly studying with O-sensei. Saito-sensei says he is trying to preserve and teach the art exactly as it was taught to him by the Founder. Technically, Iwama-ryu seems to resemble the Aikido O-sensei was teaching in the early 50s mainly in the Iwama dojo. The technical repertoire is larger than in most other styles and a great deal of emphasis is placed on weapons training. |
| The "Ki" Schools | One of the most noticeable splits in the Aikido world occured in 1974 when Koichi Tohei, then the Chief Instructor at the Aikikai, resigned from that organization and founded the Ki no Kenkyukai to teach Aikido with strong emphasis on the concepts of Ki. Since that time, there has been little interaction between the traditional schools and the Ki schools. All of these arts tend to refer to themselves as Ki Aikido, even though there is little contact between some of the styles. |
| Shin-shin Toitsu | The style founded by Koichi Tohei - Aikido with Mind and
Body Unified. Tohei-sensei places a great deal of emphasis
on understanding the concept of Ki and developing this aspect
independently of the Aikido training for application to
general health and daily life. This style is one of the
softest styles of Aikido and is characterized by soft
movements that often involve the practitioner jumping or
skipping during the movement. Most schools are not concerned
with practical application of the techniques, considering
them exercises to further develop ki.
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