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Web Site Design & Creation by
Adam Weissman
Mid Hudson Aikido 2003©
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History
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The origins
of Nihon Goshin Aikido can be traced to Daito ryu Aikijujitsu whose
greatest proponent was Sokaku Takeda. Master Shodo Morita founded
the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido. He was trained by Yoshida Kitaro,
an instructor of Daito ryu Aikijitsu. Master Kitaro also trained
in his family system of self-defense.
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In addition
to training in Daito ryu, Master Morita trained in Judo, Kobudo
(weapons, Karate, and the esoteric arts. After Master Morita mastered
these arts, he realized that although they were highly effective,
no single style was complete. Each art focused on a separate element
of self-defense: The karate arts focused on striking. The judo arts
focused on throwing. The ju-jitsu arts focused on joint locks. Master
Morita incorporated principles and techniques of each system into
a new system called Nihon Goshin Aikido. It is significant to note
that he did not merely choose the best techniques from each system.
He realized that due to height differences, techniques that work
for one person may not be effective for others. Nihon Goshin Aikido
is a highly effective form of martial arts due to its variety of
principles.
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Training
Method
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Aikido ("The
Way of Harmony") has been characterized as a very graceful art with
flowing footwork and sweeping body movements. The techniques of
Aikido can be seen as ballet-like when performed properly. Using
the energy of an attacker, practioners of Aikido try to control
and harness this energy, then redirect it, thus avoiding a conflict.
This promotes a more harmonious being in both the practitioner and
those encountered in life. Because aikido is non-aggressive and
used for self-defense only; if there is no attack, there is no action.
Because Aikido principles attack a persons balance and joints rather
than purely striking using force, it is very effective for people
of all sexes, sizes, and shapes.
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Unlike other arts such
as Karate and Tae Kwon Do, students are taught the to use an aggressor's
energy against them. Teachings in Nihon Goshin Aikido stress joint
locks and throws that do not require a great amount of strength,
with the intention to disturb the attackers balance causing them
to fall. In addition, Nihon Goshin Aikido includes striking techniques
such as kicks, punches, and elbow blows to be added to the arsenal
since we know that different situations require different means
in the resolution of a conflict. These skills are as effective today
as they were in feudal Japan.
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Students
are taught in a well supervised manner, non-competive and friendly
atmosphere. New students are gradually introduced to Aikido focusing
on the basics of falling and rolling and beginner techniques. Training
is provided in both the mental and physical aspects of self-defense,
and is geared toward quick, efficient resolution of an attack.
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Benefits
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Aikido training
provides a variety of physical and mental benefits. Varied and diverse
body movements that are part of Aikido, keep joints flexible and
improve the body's aerobic capacity and muscle tone. Maintaining
a fit, limber body is essential for health and happiness.
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Aikido goes
beyond the physical side of training as students learn to develop
Ki(pron. key), the universal energy that we are all born
with but fail to develop fully.
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Aikido is
an effective martial art, allowing students to learn to defend themselves
in threatening situations by using real-life conditions. The sense
of self confidence that stems from this knowledge will improve the
student's overall outlook in all aspects of their lives.
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