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Aikido |
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Aikido training Is it possible to write anything at all about Aikido training? We could recount the history of Aikido or describe the techniques step for step, but really the only way to learn about Aikido is by training. Aikido is to large extent about the basic laws of nature. Aikido is also about how we function and act as individuals. "The only way to understand something like Aikido is to try" is a quotation by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido training consists of three parts with a common foundation of basic principles; Taijutsu (Body-techniques), Aiki-Jo (Staff-techniques), and Aiki-Ken (Sword-techniques). Aikido's training method is different in many ways to what we are used to in other disciplines. Instead of training technique after technique to perfection, we train a basic set of techniques, first slowly and thoroughly, and then quicker. By training in this way we can gradually reach an insight into what makes up the base of all the techniques. When we have reached this realization we no longer need the techniques themselves, we can create new ones spontaneously as the moment arises. The best Aikido is unconscious and spontaneous. The road to this realization is neither easy nor fast. It demands patience, concentration and attention to detail when learning. At Aikido Dojo Turku ry we emphasize correct body-posture, -form and -attitude as tools to find effective techniques in all situations. Training for beginners starts in a soft way; they learn the basic principles and how to fall. There are no demands regarding meters or seconds. It is all the time about your own development. You are the measure which you are compared with. No competition There is no competition in Aikido for the simple reason that competition means restrictions in the form of rules and this leads to a training situation to far away from the real world and this is by definition not Aikido. The aim
What we learn
from our training is much more than self defence. Besides agility, strength
and condition does the training give ability to observe (apperception),
improved coordination and improved ability for concentration. Very much of
the training in any Budo art is to learn how to learn. The techniques are
not the only goal of training but a means of developing other human
qualities. The teaching process is a lifelong pursuit aiming to develop
individuals that do not seek battle, but avoids it. |
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