Discover... Aikido - The Path to Peace and Harmony

Aikido is an original martial art that is not competitive or violent. The techniques do not require physical strength or aggressive spirit and can be practised by people of all ages. The benefits include - self defence skills, discipline, breath control, relaxation, flexibility, stamina, speed, power, health and harmony, etc. Using circular movement an attackers energy can be returned to them using a variety of methods to break the balance, or cause pain and submission, without injury. In time after focused training, you will develop an inner calm that can be carried into your daily life. Aikido is a key to living naturally and unselfishly in a complex world. The teachings tell you that the one point in your lower abdomen is the centre of your universe wherever you go. Keeping your mind concentrated on this point causes relaxation along with the ability to respond fast. AIKIDO FOUNDER Master Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei (great master 1883-1969) was known as one of the World's greatest martial artists. Although invincible as a warrior, Morihei was above all a spiritual man of peace who detested violence. After mastering many arts including judo, kendo and jujutsu, along with his profound spiritual insight into the nature of the universe, he created aikido, an original martial art based on universal principles of nature. Morihei taught the art of peace as a mind-body discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression, and as a way of life that develops bravery, wisdom, love and friendship. He believed that aiki principles of reconciliation, harmony and co-operation could be applied to all challenges that you will face in life. Although the art began in Japan, it was meant to be a gift for all humankind. Morihei Ueshiba was often described as being the most religious person in Japan, and in his later years, spent much of his time in study and prayer. O'Sensei based his skills on his ability to tune into universal energy. The method he used was through the power of sound vibrations. Every day he chanted the pure Kotodama sounds to develop his spiritual powers. Some of his most prominent students, who became Masters... Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Koichi Tohei, Gozo Shioda, Morihiro Saito, Rinjiro Shirata, Michio Hikitsuchi, Kanshu Sunadomari, and many more. Moriteru Ueshiba (son of Kisshomaru, grandson of Morihei), continues to promote the art to the World from the Hombu Dojo in Japan. The Aikido population keeps growing every year due to the excellent work of the Masters and their dedicated students. DAILY PRACTISE - THE PATH TO MASTERY In essence, aikido is more philosophy and meditation than a series of physical movements, but through mind-body exercises you can gain an understanding of the art and learn how it can be applied to your life. It can help turn obstacles into opportunities and allow you to transform stress, tension, anxiety and pain into vital life-force energy. This can be achieved if you devote some time and energy to daily training. Many of the amazing exercises can be practised at any time, wherever you stand on the planet Earth. During your training you will learn that the battle is not outside of you, but within. The wisdom and benefits received from hard training are many... martial skill, health, harmony, enlightenment etc. It is far more than another fighting style, it is an approach to life that Morihei Ueshiba described as... " A divine path inspired by the gods that leads to truth, goodness and beauty " Morihei demonstrated physically his divine technique, that was in harmony with nature and the universe. Aikido students are familiar with amazing photos and films of Morihei as an old man, easily defeating his much younger opponents. You can step onto the path of Aikido, it is the way of harmony and peace. Tony Wildenr Aikido Health Centre http://www.aikido-health.com