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What is Aikido? Aikido is a martial art. Not in the sense of being war-like but adopting the physical and mental disciplines of the military.

Aikido is an evolving art, from the days of Aiki Jitsu, Aikibudo, Takamuso Aikido to Aikido ( even o'sensei did not get it right first time). It took time to take shape, however the main principles of Aikido are harmony-spirit-way, subject to interpretation.
For me, Gareth N. Jones student of Aikido for over thirty years, Aikido is the most beautiful martial art, it takes care of all those involved.

O'Sensei came to the decision that Aikido was of nature. All movements are natural. All movement of bodies are natural. Always extending and never against a joint or joints.
There are many who have tried to make Aikido partly self-defense or a sport, they will fail!

Aikido is a concept of perfection, an ideal which is always less than perfection.
There are those of us who will try to follow the way of Aikido in its most benevolent form, not to harm another person with intention.

Indiscriminate Atemi, (blows with fist, elbow, knee etc.) or leverage against a joint would suggest that your technique is lacking. This is not delving into the realms of the magic men where wishful thinking produces an end result!!
Being a concept one can practice any martial art with an Aiki mind, therefore it is Aikido.

Understanding the fact that there is no definitive right or wrong way of creating techniques. There is a phrase I like to use, 'If it works and if it works for the right reasons." Harmony, spirit, way, I really don't see the act of smashing someone in the face to be able to apply a technique harmonious. However it is not to be lost that correct technique will open and expose your practice partner's body to an infinite number of strikes and also the use of subtle Atemi to lead them into this vunerable position is quite acceptable.

All movements are natural. All movement of bodies are natural. Always extending and never against a joint or joints.

Over the years I have been asked hundreds if not thousands of times, "Can I use Aikido for self-defense?" the answer of course is yes, but one would probably not be able to use an absolute dojo technique, only the principle for street purposes.
Following this theme, the people who practice Aikido for self- defence never seem to understand Aikido, their movements are always fixed and mechanical, whereas those who practice for the art have a grace and brilliance that cannot be denied.
These people have the best defence as in their everyday life they have a confident humility with strength that, I'm sure, deters any would be attacker. I have never met a seasoned student of Aikido who has had to resort to violence, more a redirection and control of what could become more volatile.

In my previous notes I have stressed technique, technique and technique to the point of obsession. Quite the reverse, techniques are a tool to study the physicality of the discipline of co-ordination, mind and body, a means to understand Aiki. In the end there is no set technique in Aikido only a blending of internal and external energies in balance with our universe. Hopefully only constructive destruction, to create something better than what was.
The Sho, (first or beginners) Shin (mind or attitude) Kan Dojo invites all over the age of fourteen to practice aikido as visiting guests or full time students.

New! Our Aikido training DVD showing basic interpretation of Ai Hammi, Gyaku Hammi and Kata Dori Men Uchi in Traditional Aikido style. Click Aikido DVD

Gareth Jones, fax/phone +34 952 83 43 28 - senseijones@marbella.to