Aikido
Aikido is the Japanese martial art, budo. The word aikido cuts down into following:
Kokyu Nage, which literally translated means "breath throw"...
- 合 - ai - union/harmony
- 気 - ki - universal energy/spirit
- 道 - do - way
- So Aikido could mean to mean a longing for union with universe. A sense of belonging to the universe with other beings, and discover this unity. Others say aikido means spiritual harmony, an inner balance so to speak.
The word aikido is a brilliant word indeed - as the fact is that in aikido you harmonize within your opponent, allow the enemys attack to work without obstucting it - simply redirect the enemy's force instead of blocking it. Instead of using force, you bend to "accept the situation" like willow in the wind.
The method of training aikido vary from different dojos. Uke, the receiver of the technique usually attack against nage, the neutralizing attack. Nage, in other words, reverses the effect of the attacker, neutralizes it with using the energy of the uke.
Aikido is purely defensive martial art. It's not really sport but is considered a martial art. Originally aikido was developed by Ueshiba Morihei (1883~1969). For religious reasons he wanted to move the art away from it's competitive elements. Aikido has it's spirit in Zen Buddhism and Shinto religion and is considered as one of the most spiritual martial arts.
