Osensei Morihei Ueshiba founder of Aikido
Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere. Morihei Ueshiba
Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything. Morihei Ueshiba
Aikido was derived from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido's main focus is on grappling and uses the opponents own force to unbalance, redirect, out manouvre and dispose of the opponent while manipulating their centre of gravity through the weak links of the human body to control or if required to incapacitate the opponent.
As with all Japanese martial arts it has its own philosophy which combines theory with applied practical techniques that make the art of Aikido. It also has weapons training in the Jo (short staff), Katana (sword) and Tainto (knife).
As with all the martial arts there are a few different styles of Aikido, although generally the same techniques can be found in most styles of Aikido, the thing that sets them apart is the way Aikido is trained, i.e. as a martial art or both a martial art and sport.
In my opinion Aikido is a great martial art for self defence, especially if you don't have to use striking, but striking can conveniently be mixed in with Aikido as the situation demands.
Aikido Shudokan Joe Thambu Sensei - Demonstration 2008
Aikido - Sensei Joe Thambu 7th dan Aikidoka Melbourne Australia
Aikido techniques
Fred Mastison 5th degree black belt in Aikido
Kancho Fred Mastison a 5th dan black belt in the art of Aikido is now retired but has 5 schools of Aikido in Phoenix, below Fred takes us through some of the fundamentals of Aikido.
Fred's school website here, http://aikidoofphoenix.com/
Ikkyo: Aikido Techniques : Ikkyo from a Hook Punch
Ikkyo: Aikido Techniques : Ikkyo from a Straight Punch
Ikkyo: Aikido Techniques : Ikkyo from an Overhead Strike
Ikkyo: Aikido Techniques : Ikkyo from a Lapel Grab
Aikido Techniques: Kokyunage Against a Front Bear Hug
Aikido Techniques: Kokyunage Against a Single Wrist Grab
