Makiling Southside Aikido Club   Super Bodies Gym, 4/F RFC Shopper's Plaza Las Piñas City, Philippines  +63 2 801 63 45   [email protected]

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  The word Aikido comes from ‘Ai’, meaning harmony, oneness, agreement; ‘Ki’, meaning nature, spirit or universal energy; and ‘Do’, meaning road, path or way of life.  Aikido then means ‘the way of life through harmony with nature’.

    Generally known as a non-violent art of self-defense, Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title ‘O Sensei’ or ‘Great Teacher’).  On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from ju-jitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from kenjutsu.  Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of then or to throw them away from you.  It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movements.

    On its higher level, Aikido is more than an art of self-defense.  It is also a path to spiritual enlightenment, physical health and peace of mind.  O Sensei emphasised the moral and spiritual aspects of the art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace.  Aikido can also mean ‘the wau of harmony of the spirit’.  Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of Aikido.

    Aikido is an art which can be practiced by young and old, male and female, alike. Rather than fostering a spirit of competition, it utilizes partner practice to nurture a spirit of harmony and mutual assistance. Nevertheless, as a spiritual discipline, Aikido demands honesty, reality, and the kind of fierce determination necessary for self-polishing. This combination of factors sets the stage for an enjoyable study resulting in both practical results and deep intuition. The spirituality of Aikido's fundamental principle and the practicality of its execution are at the core of its growing appeal throughout the world today.