The Origins of Aikido

The name 'Aikido' is produced by the grouping of three characters in the Japanese language. 'Ai', which signifies 'joining'; 'ki', which represents 'spirit' and 'do', which represents 'way'. These three characters actually encapsulate the real meaning of Aikido as a sort of martial art: 'the joining of the spirit to find the way'.

 It was only in the era from 1930's to the 1940's that the name Aikido was officially accepted as the name of this martial art variety. Aikido employs ways that do not critically harm or kill unlike other forms of martial art. The techniques and skills being taught are simply intended to divert attention or stop people.

This is possibly the explanation why most people would rather Aikido, because of its concentration on peace and tranquility as opposed to violence and hostility. In fact, Aikido teacher, Morihei Ueshiba, believes that to have power over violence without causing any harm is the art of peace. Ueshiba, who is also called Osensei, which means 'Great Teacher', created Aikido from the principles of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu. He incorporated the techniques of the 'yari', the spear; the 'juken', the bayonet; and the 'jo', which is a short quarterstaff.

But what ultimately separates Aikido from other kinds of martial art is the fact that its proponents can attack while empty-handed. Practitioners need no weaponry for their protection. As a small child, he was much into physical fitness and conditioning. This was because of his vow to avenge his father's physical beating by political rivals one day, which he witnessed. Eventually, his studies and actions led him to the discipline of the different martial arts. He studied quite a few of them. He even had qualifications for fencing, fighting with spears, etc. He has learned it all. This is maybe the reason why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary type of martial art. Yet despite his skill, he remained dissatisfied.

He sensed that there was still something lacking. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual guide, Onisaburo Deguchi of the sect called Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchi taught him to take care of his spiritual development. He then pooled his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts and Aikido was formed.

His relationship with this fascinating spiritual leader Deguchi also smoothed the way for his introduction to the elite political and military personnel as a martial artist. Because of this relationship, he was able to launch Aikido and even pass on his teachings to students, who have, in turn, developed their own styles and techniques in Aikido.

Aikido is a blend of the diverse techniques of jujitsu as well as some of the techniques of sword and spear fighting, of which Ueshiba was an expert. To get a general idea, Aikido combines the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and the techniques of the body necessary when fighting with swords and spears.

Oriental in origin, it was brought to the West by Minoru Mochizuki when he visited France in 1951. He introduced the Aikido techniques to students who were learning Judo. In 1952, Tadashi Abe came to France as the official Aikikai Honbu representative. Then in 1953, Kenji Tomiki toured throughout the United States while Koichi Tohei stayed in Hawaii for a full year where he set up a dojo. Aikido then widened its influence in the United Kingdom two years after and in 1965, it reached Germany and Australia. At present, Aikido has centres all over the world.

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