Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art the modern form of which was developed during the early 20th century by Ueshiba Morihei O’Sensei. The techniques which form the basis of modern Aikido are derived from centuries old tactics developed by Samurai warriors. Aikido is the only purely defensive martial art. Rather than meeting violence with reciprocal violence, the Aikidoist learns to evade and redirect the power of the attack, resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and either projected (thrown) or immobilized. Thus, it is the attacker’s own force and momentum which neutralize his aggression. Because of this principle of “active non-resistance”, Aikido can be effectively performed even against larger, stronger attackers. At the higher levels of the art, it is equally effective against multiple attackers. Aikido is not a sport or a game. There are no tournaments or competitions. Rather, practice is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation. Aikido has been proven to be an effective means of self defense and its’ techniques form the basis of many police “control and restraint” tactics. It is also distinguished by a highly developed moral code which seeks to protect the assailant while simultaneously neutralizing his will and ability to attack. Beyond being merely a form of self protection, Aikido is a method of personal development which teaches the practitioner secrets of balance and character which enhance all aspects of daily life. Southside Aikido Club has been in continuous operation since 2006. We are charter members of the United States Aikido Federation under Yamada Yoshimitsu Shihan and all of our rank is awarded/ approved by the Aikikai Foundation and the Ueshiba family. Introduction
Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art the modern form of which was developed during the early 20th century by Ueshiba Morihei O’Sensei. The techniques which form the basis of modern Aikido are derived from centuries old tactics developed by Samurai warriors. Aikido is the only purely defensive martial art. Rather than meeting violence with reciprocal violence, the Aikidoist learns to evade and redirect the power of the attack, resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and either projected (thrown) or immobilized. Thus, it is the attacker’s own force and momentum which neutralize his aggression. Because of this principle of “active non-resistance”, Aikido can be effectively performed even against larger, stronger attackers. At the higher levels of the art, it is equally effective against multiple attackers. Aikido is not a sport or a game. There are no tournaments or competitions. Rather, practice is conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and co-operation. Aikido has been proven to be an effective means of self defense and its’ techniques form the basis of many police “control and restraint” tactics. It is also distinguished by a highly developed moral code which seeks to protect the assailant while simultaneously neutralizing his will and ability to attack. Beyond being merely a form of self protection, Aikido is a method of personal development which teaches the practitioner secrets of balance and character which enhance all aspects of daily life. Southside Aikido Club has been in continuous operation since 2006. We are charter members of the United States Aikido Federation under Yamada Yoshimitsu Shihan and all of our rank is awarded/ approved by the Aikikai Foundation and the Ueshiba family.