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  • By Roger Williams


    When it comes to different martial arts, it's true that most of them try to balance body and mind, some more efficiently than others. They all thrive to self-improvement and provide excellent defense techniques as well. All eastern techniques have this spiritual part within, and it would be hard to imagine them without it.

    Harmonized body and mind is a must. Even so, there are numerous other benefits in practicing these techniques. If you visit one Aikido Dojo San Francisco center, you may find out more about this particular teaching, and why it is so special, even compared with other popular martial arts, and why it really deserves you attention.

    The word Aikido is actually made using three different words. 'Ai' means harmony, 'ki' stands for energy, but also spirit, while 'do' stands for path, in other words, a way. So, the word can be translated as the harmonious and spiritual path, or the way of the spirit and harmony. High ideals, elegant outlook and highly efficient defense techniques, and this is only the beginning.

    This is, actually, the youngest of the traditional Japanese martial arts. It was founded by The Great Teacher, or O-Sensei, Morihel Ueshiba. He was an expert in various other traditional Japanese discipline, staring with Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Sojitsu. But, he was also really interested in religion and spiritual part of the training.

    Great Teacher had a flawless technique, as well as really amazing physical strength, and this combination allowed him to defend himself virtually without touching his attackers. He based his technique on harmonizing movements with the movements of the universe, achieving the unity of his body and mind, and without causing harm to others.

    That's why this technique is just perfect for anyone, regardless of age or any other factors. And it brings, beside of a great ability of defending yourself, also many other benefits for your health, body and mind. It improves general and cardiovascular health, concentration, flexibility, physical strength and your general balance, to start with.

    And another thing. This type of balanced training have a great impact on your self-confidence, conditioning your mind, body and spirit, and, as a result, you will start feeling better in your own skin, finding your own life path. If you are primarily interested in building strength and fighting with others, this might not be something for you.

    So, the point is in defending yourself efficiently, but without seriously harming your attacker. Everything is based on circular movements, and since most attacks are linear, this is the way of using different techniques, such as arm pins or maybe wrist locks, in order of making your attacker helpless, and avoiding any direct confrontation at the same time. The point is to unbalance the attacker.

    Well, Aikido is certainly the true Budo. This extraordinary martial art unites Samurai battle tactics, ancient Japanese martial arts techniques and harmonizing your body and mind. O-Sensei said the secret is in harmonizing with the universe. He also said that the real victory is the one over oneself, and this is probably the main principle of his philosophy.




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