| The purpose of Aikido is to create Harmony -
harmony of your spirit and body, harmony between your partner
and yourself, and harmony with the movements of the universe
(Nature). A martial art which has as a purpose to be healthy
in body and peaceful in spirit, to avoid conflict with others,
to avoid spoiling Nature, to refrain from the use of physical
power to achieve one's desires, to strive for becoming one
with the Universe... this is Aikido. The collision of powere
against power - this is what we call fighting, or conflict.
Aikido is not a collision of power against power. It is a
joining of power with power, to come to a resolution of conflict.
This transformation of power allows for Aikido technique to
be born.
Aikido
always holds this ideal, no matter what situation arises.
In reality, all martial arts have the same ideal.
Aikido is composed of circular movement. This movement
is the way of non-conflict. Aikido takes a strong force
and makes it circular. In order to eliminate the necessity
to injure or kill the other person, this circular movement
is necessary.
Aikido is not just a simple martial art, it is a unique
Way, a representation of Japanese culture and tradition.
It serves as an introduction of Japanese spirit throughout
the world. The main principle of the Japanese spirit, of
the true Japanese heart, is Harmony.
The way of the Japanes spirit is not competition. The country
of Japan is also known as "Yamato"' or as the
characters can be read, "great harmony". This
is the heart of Japan.
No matter what country, or period in time, one must follow
this way. Let us, as those who possess the Spirit of Japan,
work towards achieving correct training in Aikido. |
