It’s not a religion, yet founded on spirit. Not a science, though a methodical approach to natural law. Not a sport, but vigorous and athletic. It is a way for one to expand the spirit, to balance the body, to quiet the mind. Our lives are governed by the forces of nature. Aikido is a way to recognize these forces and respond to them appropriately. Its premise is non-resistance. One does not compete with superior force-- one blends with it and leads it to a harmonious reconciliation. This requires training-- of body and mind. Aikido is a martial art based on this philosophy.

"Who is Master Morihei Ueshiba?"

Aikido is a relatively new martial art, founded in Japan by master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). As a youth, Ueshiba Sensei, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he was called, applied himself to many arduous years of training in the Japanese martial arts. He mastered Jiu-jitsu, the use of the spear, the staff, and the sword. O-Sensei also delved into Omoto-Kyo, Zen Buddhism and the Shinto religion. Although he became very accomplished in the martial arts, he grew troubled with the idea that winning at someone else’s expense was not a real victory. He came to realize that true martial skill is not the ability to defeat others, but to defeat the discord within oneself. Though he was an acknowledged master, he began to practice movements, exploring them deeply, searching mentally, and sitting for long hours in meditation. Finally, in the Spring of 1925 his search was rewarded. "I was walking in the garden by myself," he said, "when I felt that the universe suddenly quaked, and that a golden spirit sprang up from the ground, veiled me, and changed my body into a golden one. At that moment, I was enlightened, and endless tears of joy streamed down my cheeks. I had become free of all desire, not only for position, fame and property, but also from the need for power over others. I understood that God’s love pulses through everything, and that the secret of life is harmony with this flow. I saw that whoever has the mind to fight has broken his harmony with the universe and is already defeated. The way of the warrior is to give life to all things, to reconcile the world, to foster the completion of everyone’s mission. The way is Confluent Spirit, the way I call ai-ki.."

"What Does Aikido Mean?"

The word Aikido in Japanese is made up of three characters, or kanji. The first is "Ai" which means "meet, come together, harmonize." The second kanji is "Ki" which means "mind, soul, spirit." In the larger context, "Ki" refers to the spirit of the universe and not just the spirit of human beings. The third and last character is "Do" which means "the way," to signify that the study of Aikido involves physical practice melded with philosophical examination over a long term. These three Japanese kanji "Ai-Ki-Do," therefore, mean the way of harmonizing with the universe.

"What are Aikido movements?"

The movement of Aikido emphasize a flowing flexibility and maintaining a stable balance. The aim of the Aikidoist is to be in complete control of his or her mind and body, to maintain a calm, alert posture. The continuous and flexible motion centered at the waist is like a dance, a graceful spherical motion. Much of the beauty of Aikido movements derives from coordinated motion of the entire body, with each movement of the body part contributing to the integrated sequence of movements.

"What are Hakama?"

The skirt-like trousers worn by Aikidoists are called the hakama and is traditionally worn by all Aikidoists of black belt rank, and by women Aikidoists of all ranks. Here at the Bond Street Dojo a student is allowed to wear the hakama once he or she has attained certain proficiency in ukemi, the process of attacking, falling and rolling.

"How does Ranking Work?"

As in other Japanese martial arts, Aikido utilizes the kyu and dan system of ranking. Generally, the Aikidoist begins with sixth kyu and improves his or her standing upward through the kyu ranks until one reaches the first kyu. Ranking tests are held quarterly. Dan ranks (black belts) are awarded after testing at the ASU organization level, and thereafter one works his way up through the dan ranks. The highest present rank in Aikido is tenth dan.

Because the Aikido philosophy promotes harmony and non conflict, tournaments in Aikido are non-existent. Instead, the criterion for promotion is a well-executed performance of the arts. In addition, consideration is given to the Aikidoist’s character and attitude, seriousness and diligence in practice. Factors such as age, natural ability, an open and humble attitude, and diligence in practice all affect one’s progress.

"When Does The Next Course Begin?"

We teach Aikido not as a scheduled curriculum, but as a stream of experiences. There is no next course. You simply start when you feel ready. It is our experience that the new student reaches a higher level or advances in a shorter period of time by simply jumping in and getting his or her feet wet. Simply do the practices that you feel you can cope with and sit out those you are not ready for. The more advanced students are understanding, they are sincerely interested in helping you and very aware of the need to work gently with you. Please do not feel you are hampering their progress because you are a beginner. It is important to their progress that they share their knowledge. Relax. Approach your training with an open mind and sense of enjoyment.