For hundreds of years the Martial Arts were practised in secret and handed down from generation to generation. In 1942 James Cagney demonstrated some Judo Techniques in the film Blood of Sun, and wetted the west's appetite for more.
Today, the Martial Arts play a major part in action films, and stars such as Bruce Lee and Steven Seagal have become household names. What's more, they have presented to the public two completely individual arts. Bruce Lee's lightning fast punches and high jumping kicks amazed the world, and Kung Fu became well established with Lee as it's figure head.
When Steven Seagal returned to America in 1983 he brought with him a Japanese Martial Art the like of which the west had never seen. When he fought he was relaxed, calm, almost smiling. He was strong and powerful, yet he didn't jump or kick. The Martial Art was Aikido, and it made Seagal an instant star.
Through film and television the world has been introduced to a variaty of the Martial Arts and were it not for them, it would not have the following it enjoys today. Unfortunately, this medium is a double edged sword. By only presenting the finished article, the fighting, the Martial Arts are sold short. Most people who practise Martial Arts will never use them. This is because you learn the best way to win a fight is by making sure it doesn't start. You also develop with practise what is called a "Presence". It comes from confidence and means you can defeat an opponent with a single glance. This is the paradox of the Martial arts, the move you learn, the more at peace you become.
Violence is the last resort of the weak minded.
WHAT IS AIKIDO ?
Aikido was developed in the early 1900's from the older arts of jujitsu, judo and karate. The founder of Aikido, O' Sensei Morihei Ueshiba continued to practice and teach his art right up to his death in 1969.
Aikido is now practiced worldwide and its following is growing.
True Aikido is practiced with no aggression. In an attack the aggressor's force is simply redirected and controlled using a system of movements and techniques. It is exactly this principle that makes Aikido a practical system for self defense.
By redirecting as opposed to blocking, your attacker's force is used against them.
This makes Aikido ideal for anyone, regardless of height or stature. All you are required to have is an open mind and a commitment to learn.
Because of the calm nature of Aikido, it is mistakenly referred to as a "soft art". Giving the impression it is not a valid system of defense. The truth of the matter is when practiced correctly you are relaxed. That is the nature of Aikido.
The way of harmony.