Regenerasi

Ujian Kedewasaan

2008-09-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

25 september 2008, benar benar hari yang bersejarah buat saya dan keluarga, Pukul 09:30 Wib. Papa telah berpulang ke sisi Allah SWT. Suatu moment dimana

kami sekeluarga diberikan Ujian yang yang tidak bisa kami negosiasikan terlebih dahulu, terlebih lebih untuk Nesha (adik saya) dimana pada saat itu sedang berulang tahun, rupa nya nesha benar benar diberikan kado dari Allah SWT, dan kebetulan nesha sedang berada di asrama, dan sangat shock saat mendengar kabar dari saya tentang papa, dan bisa dipastikan suatu moment yang tidak akan pernah dilupakan untuk nesha. Kejadiannnya begitu cepat dan tidak terduga, karena sebelumnya saat habis sahur saya dan papa sempat berbincang bincang tentang rumah & pulang kampung, tapi memang rahasia hidup memang milik Allah SWT ya, tak ada yang bisa menebak nebak, sempat saya berkata dalam hati "ya Allah, kenapa sekarang, sebentar lagi kan lebaran" tapi setelah melewati sekian proses dan masukan dari para "orang orang tua" saya menyadari bahwa memang segala yang terjadi ialah sudah digariskan oleh Allah SWT, dan Allah tidak akan pernah memberikan cobaan yang melampaui kemampuan umat nya untuk melewati itu semua, dan dibalik kejadian pasti ada hikmah.
Jadi, Pa, semoga papa tenang di alam sana, dimudahkan jalan papa, kita sekeluarga akan selalu berdoa untuk papa, doa'in vicky, indah, laura, marcell, dan nesha ya pa, semoga bisa menjadi yang papa inginkan, selalu bisa bahagia'in mama dan menjaga mama, satu lagi Pa, marcell senang saat papa 'pergi', allah sangat memudahkan proses kepergian papa, sesuai dengan doa papa selama ini, papa selalu bilng ke kami, kalau papa 'pergi' nanti, papa ga mau nyusahin keluarga papa, ga mau keluar masuk Rumah sakit, dan kalau bisa meninggal di tempat tidur kamar papa aja. Marcell senang Pa, yang papa inginkan dikabulkan oleh Allah, terlebih lagi saat papa 'pergi', papa dipangkuan mama, dan papa sempat berpelukan dengan mama. Pa, papa tahu ga, orang orang yang melihat Jenazah papa sangat senang melihat raut wajah papa, bilang mereka papa seperti tertidur pulas dan muka papa bersih banget, sewaktu kami memandikan jenazah papa, bapak yang memandikan bilang, tubuh papa bersih, tidak ada kotoran.
Pa, marcell sudah Ikhlas atas kepergian Papa, marcell terima Pa, cuma papa jangan sedih atau marah yah, kalau melihat marcell, kakak kakak dan adik menangis saat mengenang saat saat bersama papa. Selamat jalan Papa.......

Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1429 Hijriah

2008-09-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

meskipun kecepetan, ga masalah lah, dari pada terlambat....

Pemahaman Tentang Hakama

2008-09-12T00:46:00.001-07:00

Pemahaman Tentang Hakama

Hakama adalah pakaian tradisional Jepang yang biasa digunakan dalam seni beladiri seperti Aikido, Kendo, Jujutsu, dan Kyudo. Hakama dianggap sebagai suatu hal yang menarik bagi praktisi beladiri yang memakainya. Tidak sedikit dari praktisi beladiri tersebut yang berlatih hanya karena berambisi untuk dapat mengenakan hakama tanpa memahami maknanya. Bahkan beberapa diantaranya hanya ingin terlihat gagah atau anggun dengan hakama. Tentu saja hal ini sangatlah disayangkan….

Dalam Aikido, hakama biasanya dikenakan oleh praktisi yang telah mencapai tingkat yudansha (shodan ke atas), kecuali bagi praktisi wanita. Mereka diperbolehkan mengenakan hakama pada tingkat kyu tertentu. Tradisi ini tanpa disadari menjadi sebuah persepsi yang salah bagi para praktisi Aikido dalam menilai makna dari sebuah hakama pada latihan mereka. Pendapat yang berkembang umumnya menganggap bahwa hakama mewakili tingkatan seseorang, sehingga ia dapat disebut sebagai “Sensei”. Bahkan hakama dinilai sebagai simbol superioritas mereka dalam teknik. Hal yang lebih menyedihkan, apabila seorang Aikidoka terburu-buru mengikuti ujian kenaikan tingkat hanya karena ingin cepat mengenakan hakama. Setelah ia mendapat apa yang dinginkannya, kemana Aikido akan dibawa dengan pemahaman seperti itu?
Hakama merupakan simbol dari spirit Budo dalam Aikido. Di dalamnya terdapat falsafah dan prinsip hidup seorang Budoka (ksatria). Maka untuk menjalankan falsafah hidup seorang kstaria menjadi tanggung jawab moral bagi siapa saja yang mengenakan hakama. Pada hakama terdapat 7 ruas (garis) yang terbujur secara vertikal, dengan posisi 5 garis di bagian depan dan 2 garis lain di bagian belakang. Setiap garis tersebut memiliki makna yang mendalam sebagai simbol dari karakteristik ajaran Budo. 7 ajaran Budo ini dikenal sebagai 7 Pilar Budo.

Ketujuh pilar tersebut adalah:
1. Gi/The Truth: Kebenaran
Kebenaran adalah titik kulminasi pencarian manusia yang tertinggi dalam hidupnya. Karena nilai kebenaran yang tertinggi hanya ada satu dan satu-satunya, yaitu Tuhan. Manusia dalam perjalanan hidupnya akan hampa dan tidak berarti apapun jika ia tidak menyadari bahwa ia merupakan bagian yang sangat kecil dari sekian banyak ciptaan Tuhan yang tidak terhitung jumlahnya.
Dalam Budo, nilai-nilai spiritual merupakan esensi ajaran serta tujuan akhir dari perjalanan hidup seorang Budoka. Sehingga orang-orang yang mempelajari Budo (seni bela diri) , namun ia berpaling dari agama maka pada dasarnya ia tidak mengerti akan apa yang ia pelajari. Hal ini ditegaskan O’Sensei “Tidak ada di dunia ini yang tidak dapat mengajari kita
2. Meiyo/Respect & Honor : Menghormati dan Kehormatan

Sikap menghormati merupakan sifat yang sangat lekat dengan karakter budaya masyarakat Jepang. Hal ini dapat kita lihat dari budaya “REI”, yaitu membungkukkan badan sebagai tanda menghormati seseorang. Dalam Budo sikap menghormati seperti ini merupakan gambaran nilai kehormatan bagi seorang samurai, dengan kata lain seorang samurai hanya dapat dikatakan memiliki sebuah kehormatan dalam dirinya, bila ia tahu bagaimana cara menghormati orang lain.
Dalam falsafah moral ini sangat penting untuk mempraktekkan cara bersikap dengan benar dan baik khususnya terhadap orang-orang yang statusnya berada diatas kita, seperti kepada orang tua kita, guru dan atasan atau tuan pada masa dahulu. Dalam buku “Bushido Shosinshu” yang ditulis oleh Taira Shigesuke (1639-1730), dikatakan bahwa “bagi para ksatria (Budoka), merawat dengan baik orang tua adalah suatu hal yang mendasar”. Lebih lanjut dijelaskan bahwa kedua orang tua merupakan asal muasal eksistensi kita dimuka bumi, darah daging yang kita miliki adalah darah daging mereka. Mereka akan melakukan apapun yang terbaik untuk kehidupan anaknya. Maka sudah menjadi tugas dan kewajiban setiap orang, apalagi bagi mereka yang menempuh jalan ksatria (Budoka), untuk berbakti dan memuliakan kedua orang tua seumur hidupnya.

Terhadap guru, kita juga harus menghormati mereka. Guru dalam bahasa Jepang disebut “Sensei”. Artinya orang yang terlahir lebih dahulu, dan lebih lanjut memiliki pemahaman sebagai orang yang memiliki pengetahuan & kebijaksanaan tentang kehidupan lebih mendalam dari yang kita miliki atau orang yang kita jadikan tempat belajar atau bertanya, sekalipun usianya mungkin lebih muda dari kita.

Dalam Budo, guru diibaratkan sebagai orang tua kedua setelah kedua orang tua kita. Hal ini disebabkan karena mereka mengajarkan banyak hal tentang kehidupan setelah orang tua kita. Mereka turut mendidik dan membantu murid agar dapat menjalani kehidupan dengan baik.
Seorang Sensei dalam Budo merupakan jabatan spiritual, dimana pertanggungjawaban moral saja tidaklah cukup. Seorang Sensei harus bertanggung jawab untuk mendidik murid-muridnya agar menjadi manusia yang lebih baik secara fisik, mental, moral dan akhirnya spiritual.
3. Makoto/Honesty & Sincerity: Kejujuran dan Ketulusan

Kejujuran dalam tutur kata dan Ketulusan dalam perbuatan adalah hal yang esensial dalam Budo. Bila kita menghormati seseorang, maka kita lakukan dengan sepenuh hati dan jiwa, bukan tampilan fisik semata. Apabila kita bertutur kata, maka katakanlah yang sebenarnya, yang ada dalam hati dan pikiran kita dengan cara yang baik dan terhormat. Kejujuran merupakan hal yang sulit dilakukan kecuali bagi mereka yang memiliki keberanian dalam jiwa mereka. Menjaga kepercayaan dari orang lain (amanah), juga merupakan salah satu bentuk kejujuran dan ketulusan.
4. Chugi/Loyalty: Kesetiaan

Kesetiaan adalah suatu sikap yang terhormat, sedangkan pengkhianatan adalah sikap yang rendah dan hina. Seorang ksatria akan menjaga kesetiaannya bahkan apabila harus mengorbankan nyawa sekalipun. Samurai-samurai pada jaman dahulu (sebelum restorasi Meiji) rela mengorbankan nyawa mereka untuk membela tuannya atau perguruannya.
5. Rei/Courtesy: Sopan Santun

Tata tertib dan sikap sopan santun adalah bagian yang integral dalam Budo. Tanpa sikap dan tata kesopanan yang baik dan benar, maka seseorang tidak dapat dikatakan sebagai ksatria sekalipun ia sangat mahir dalam bertempur. Sikap “Rei” adalah sebuah contoh yang mudah kita pahami. Rei pada saat memasuki dojo, memulai latihan, menutup latihan hingga kita keluar dojo, merupakan hal yang harus dilakukan dengan pemahaman yang mendalam. Sering kali hal seperti ini dianggap remeh karena tidak memahami semangat (spirit) dari latihan. Perlu diingat bahwa kita berlatih bukan sebatas untuk olah raga atau sekedar berlatih untuk bertarung namun diharapkan latihan aikido dapat membentuk mental, moral dan spiritual seorang aikidoka yang mampu beradaptasi pada kondisi seburuk apapun dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Dalam hal ini sikap dan sopan santun sangatlah diperlukan sebagai sebuah disiplin dalam sebuah seni beladiri agar terbentuk sebuah keberanian yang diikuti sifat kerendahan hati para praktisinya.
6. Jin/Knowledge and Wisdom: Pengetahuan dan Kebijaksanaan

Budo merupakan suatu bentuk pengetahuan yang menghasilkan kebijaksanaan. Setiap pengetahuan haruslah menghasilkan sebuah nilai kebijaksanaan. Tanpa kebijaksanaan pengetahuan hanya akan menghasilkan bencana.
Dalam Budo anda mempelajari tentang nilai hidup dan mati. Anda melatih kemampuan hati, pikiran dan tubuh untuk menerima kematian atau mengakibatkan terjadinya hal tersebut. Oleh karenanya, pengetahuan Budo tanpa kebijaksanaan adalah sebuah malapetaka kemanusiaan.
Kebijaksanaan tertinggi dalam Budo adalah mengalahkan diri sendiri dan menempa hati, pikiran dan tubuh untuk bersungguh-sungguh mencari nilai kebenaran tertinggi.
7. Yuki/Courage: Keberanian

Keberanian diletakkan pada urutan terakhir dari ke 7 pilar Budo, karena keberanian hanya dapat diperoleh setelah seseorang mampu memahami dan menjalani ke 6 pilar sebelumnya. Keberanian dalam diri seorang ksatria merupakan pancaran dan sifat-sifat serta akhlak yang mulia. Keberanian yang dilandasi pemahaman terhadap nilai-nilai kebenaran sejati dan kehormatan diri bukan keberanian yang didasari pada kemarahan dan keinginannya untuk mengalahkan orang lain.

Mengingat kematian juga merupakan hal yang sangat esensial untuk membentuk sifat-sifat Budo karena seseorang yang senantiasa mengingat kematian akan selalu menjaga perbuatan dan sikapnya agar tetap berada dalam koridor kebenaran. Seorang samurai harus selalu mengingat kematian setiap saat, baik pada saat pertempuran yang dapat mengakibatkan kematian bagi dirinya maupun lawannya, atau dalam menjalani hidup sehari-hari. Keberanian menghadapi maut merupakan hal yang mutlak harus dimiliki seorang Budoka dalam menghadapi situasi perkelahian yang sebenarnya karena dalam pertarungan sesungguhnya tidak ada menang kalah melainkan hidup atau mati. Oleh sebab itu seorang Budoka harus memastikan dirinya selalu berpegang teguh pada nilai kebenaran, karena pertempuran yang pertama dapat menjadi pertempuran terakhir baginya. Sekali ia mengambil keputusan untuk bertempur maka ia tidak akan mundur atau lari. Dia juga tidak akan pernah menyesal dengan keputusan yang diambil, sekalipun ia harus kehilangan nyawa. Karena ia tahu bahwa ia berada dalam kebenaran.
Miyamoto Musashi menjelaskan dalam buku “Go Rin No Sho” ( the book of five rings) bahwa apabila seorang samurai telah mencabut pedang dan berkata “saya akan bertahan hidup disini!” maka orang itu akan mati lebih cepat dari yang dia kira. Dan jika seorang samurai mencabut pedangnya dan berkata “ saya akan mati disini, saya akan mati dengan kehormatan” maka orang seperti ini akan hidup lebih lama dari yang dia harapkan.

biography of Stevan Seagal

2008-08-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Steven Seagal born: 10-04-1951 birth place: Lansing, MI

He's an action superstar surrounded by controversy and crime. He skyrocketed to fame in 1988 with an action-packed debut in ‘Above the Law’, but long before then, he was known to martial arts insiders as the first Caucasian to open his own aikido dojo in Japan.

Is he really, asone of his buddhist teachers claimed , a reincarnated lama in the Tibetan Buddhist faith?

Steven travelled to Japan at the age of 17, where he taught English and perfected his martial arts skills. Besides choreographing fight scenes in Action films, he remains secretive about his past.

Rumours have named him as a bounty hunter and part-time CIA agent. His large donations to various religious charities have also been questioned over the years.

Following his 15 years in Asia, Steven returned to the US where he got work as a celebrity bodyguard, later marrying one of his clients - Kelly LeBrock. However, he was cast into the limelight himself in ‘Above the Law’.

Proving an instant hit, his next film ‘Hard to Kill’ secured his status as a hard-hitting action hero. ‘Under Siege’ was to become his most popular movie in 1992.

In 1997, he announced that he had been proclaimed a tulku, the reincarnation of a Buddhist lama, by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Besides acting, he remains a student of Buddhism who spends many hours meditating, studying, and practicing to become a healer.

Seagal Sensei

2008-08-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ukemi Waza

2008-08-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Jo kata 31

2008-08-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

akbarmarcell.blogspot.com

2008-08-07T01:41:00.001-07:00

akbarmarcell.blogspot.com

Take sensei

2008-08-02T02:00:00.000-07:00

O'sensei..

2008-08-02T01:53:00.000-07:00

Seagal sensei & Santos sensei

2008-08-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

Koichi Tohei sensei & O'sensei

2008-08-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

O'sensei

2008-08-02T01:39:00.000-07:00

Isoyama sensei & Seagal sensei

2008-08-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

Iwama Dojo

2008-08-02T01:32:00.001-07:00

Tohei sensei

2008-08-02T01:19:00.001-07:00

Isoyama sensei

2008-08-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

Doshu

2008-08-02T00:59:00.000-07:00

Saito sensei

2008-08-02T00:50:00.000-07:00

O'sensei & family

2008-08-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

O'sensei, Kisshomaru, Moriteru

2008-08-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

Tai no henka

2008-08-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

O'sensei Rei

2008-07-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

Aikido

2008-07-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

Seagal sensei & Larry reynosa

2008-07-31T23:36:00.000-07:00

Ukemi

2008-07-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

AIKIDO TERMINOLOGY

2008-07-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

AIKIDO TERMINOLOGY

Uke - Person being thrown
Nage / Tori - Person throwing
Shite - Person throwing .

Posture (shizentai gamae):

Migi gamae - right side
Hidari gamae - left side
Sankakutai - typical Aikido triangular stance
Ma-ai - Distance between the nage and uke.

Stances (Hammi):

Ai hammi - Both persons take migi gamae or hidari gamae at the same time
Gyaku hammi - reverse stance
Gedan - hand position low
Chudan - hand position medium
Jodan - hand position high

Attacks:

Shomenuchi - Frontal attack to top of head
Shomenuchi-tsuki - Frontal attack to eyes
Munetsuki - Frontal punch
Yokomenuchi - Frontal-angular attack to side of head/neck
Katate-tori - Wrist grab
Kata-tori - Shoulder grab
Katate-tori hantai / Kosa-tori - cross hand grab
Kubi-shime - Choke hold
Katate-tori Ryote-mochi - Two hands grab one hand
Ryote-tori - Grab both wrists
Ryokata-tori - Grab both shoulders
Randori - Multiple man attack
Hanmi Handachi-waza - Nage in sitting position and uke standing
Suwari-waza - Nage and uke perform techniques on knees
Jiyu-waza - Free Style
Jo-tori - Staff taking
Tanto-tori - Knife taking
Kumi-jo - Paired jo kata practice
Kumi-tachi - Paired bokken practice
Taijutsu - Empty hand practice

Irimi - Direct entry
Tenkan - Indirect or outside entry. Body makes complete turn around attack.

Atemi - Hand strikes
Jiyu-waza - Free style
Jo - Staff
Suburi - Sword/ bokken practice
Shikko - Knee walking

YONKYO

2008-07-25T03:03:00.001-07:00

YONKYO
yonkyo, "the fourth technique", is one of the basic pinning techniques (katamewaza) of aikido. Within aikido circles, it is regarded with something of an awe, because of the distinct pain it induces.
Not all people are sensitive to the yonkyo technique. Some feel very little of the pain, some don't feel it at all.

ikkyo

2008-07-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

ikkyo

ikkyo is the first technique of aikido, that's even what its name means. Sort of an introduction to aikido, at least to its pinning techniques, in the continued count of nikyo, sankyo and so on. Therefore, it's always rewarding to return to ikkyo, with a high regularity. As your ikkyo develops and becomes refined, so will all of your aikido. It doesn't ever become boring.
Below, I go through ikkyo - omote and ura - in the most basic attacks. There is no rule as to exactly how ikkyo should be performed. Probably, there are about as many variations to it, as there are accomplished aikidoka. Also, any aikido technique tends to transform through the development of one's aikido, so not even for one single person is there such a thing as a right or a wrong way to do it. Consequently, what you find here is just my interpretation of ikkyo - at this point in time. Who knows what comes next?

10 Aikido basic Guide

2008-07-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

10 Aikido basic Guide

Aikido is a unique form of martial arts. His focus is on the harmonious combination of mind and body with the natural laws of nature. Aikido focuses on the acceptance and respect for the energy of life and nature and channelling of these techniques in harmony, to reflect this energy in physical form.

Aikido is often described as more of a defensive martial art since its techniques and lessons are there for you to avoid or resulting from difficulties. On the contrary, aikido techniques are very powerful and efficient.

Basically there are four levels of technology in Aikido training. These are the katai refers to the basic training and is intended for the construction of the basis of body movements and breathing; yawarakai the traits of the defendant to steer attacks and securing movements to take control of the attacker or a situation which no-ki-nagare which includes training the defendant to defence or counter-attack by merging his movement with the attacker before the latter makes contact, and the ki is the absolute Aikido technology and includes establishing a connection of KI or spirit from the defender to attacker .

In the training for aikido, you need a sparring partner. The Uke and the ". The uke is the initiator of the attack and is replaced by the aikido techniques, while the rodents is the defender and the one that the attack neutralized.

Aikido basic techniques include ikkyo includes an attacker to gain control by one to the elbow and one near the wrist, a chance to throw the attacker to the ground, the Nikyo moves into the uke with a wristlock and rotates the arm While the application painful nerve pressure; sankyo the rotating is a technique for applying a spiral of tension in the whole arm, including the elbow and shoulder, a shoulder yonkyo control technology with both hands gripping the forearm; gokyo is another variant of ikkyo

with the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and is very useful weapon in take-aways; shihonage or four direction throw; kotegaeshi or wrist, a wristlock discard that the extensor digitorum; kokyunage also known as respiratory discards timing or discards; iriminage or entering the body raises similar to a "clothes line" technology; tenchinage or heaven and earth throw; koshinage or Aikido version of hip throw; jinage or shape-as-'ten' discard , And throw kaitennage rotation or the "sweeps the arm of the uke back until it snaps into the shoulder joint to the" applies the pressure to the front to throw the attacker.

These are just basic techniques and from the list thousands of possible implementations or combinations can be obtained by the aikidokas. In Aikido, a strike of employees in the implementation of Aikido technique called Atemi. For beginners, grabs are the first to be taught. It is safer and the aikidoka can easily feel the energy flowing from the UKE to. "

The basic techniques are the grave katate-dori or single-handed grabs, with one hand to grasp a wrist; morote-dori or both hands-the grave uses both hands to grab a wrist; ryote-dori other two - hands access technology in both hands are used to attack both wrists; kata-dori or shoulder grave technology and the mune-dori or breast-grave, taking the garments of the attacker's chest.

Mastering each technique requires discipline and dedication. To a good aikidoka, you have to master both techniques and the principle of martial arts.

Exercising Aikido, Teaching And Training

2008-07-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Exercising Aikido, Teaching And Training

Since the accretion of Aikido with chattering teeth the hands of its founder Morihei Ueshiba, it has gone through drastic changes. without nerves the technique, practice, motley, teaching, and training, Aikido is party interpreted in so dissonant race. Despite these glaring changes, the basic quarters of Aikido color photograph remains: a martial art that aims to industrialize consistency and harmony without instigating attack and force.

BEFORE YOU PRACTICE

If you are into aikido and earlier been enrolled in one of the classes, you must serve notice yourself with each and eterribly that you need to know about the martial art. You must realize that the practice of aikido starts once you have entered the "dojo" or the place wamong us demonstrations, teachings, and training transfer place.

The aikido trainees are instructed and presumed to movement and observe crashing etiquette at all times. even now are cunning certified teacherlines for those you have awfully started exercising or training for aikido:

1. tendance is important and a must. Indeed, the separate way for you to civilize in aikido is by attending workaday classes and continuous training. Although attendant is not mandatory in downright dojos, you mutate keep in mind that for you to learn and master aikido, you must be tnow when you have training so you wouldn’t miss any of the aikido teachings and trainings.

mass aikido practitioners suggest that for a polyhistor to advance in aikido, he or she should practice at least twice a lunar month. Aside without nerves not nonattendant out diplomaticthing, attending aikido classes year after year can as well arrogate you put to school self-discipline.

2. syncretize your training your own responsibility. Just like in any martial art training, Aikido requires attention and dedication wonderless you. And since you are the one who is interested in learning the martial, you should vet be the one in-charge of your own orthogenesis and training. Once you have decided to practice Aikido, it is given that you should be the one who is dependable for your efficacy and get betterment.

Although instructors and consequential bookmans will be tin this vicinity to antecedent you, they wouldn’t be the one proven for for your enhancement. So if you really want to educate in this martial art, originate sure that you observe tellingly before asking for any benefit and that you try to learn the techniques on your own first before you parterminate in any demonstration.

3. Bear in mind that Aikido training includes more beside one technique. Aside wonderlessness the physical demonstrations, training in aikido includes exclamation and modification of for two physical and psychological patterns of the literary mans' enliven and behavior. Since thither are so deviating techniques to learn, an aikido scholar should be ready to answer back to circumstances so he or she can harrow attention span.

4. Memorize the basic teachings and lodgingss of the martial art. Aikido is known as one of the non-aggressive assessed valuation of self-defense. That is why body aikido trainings involve cooperative activities.

In order to learn and excel in the martial art, you must be cooperative enough with your partner so you will pair reap the benefits of aikido. Make sure that you're safe when training and behavioral aikido as long as excellent of the techniques can death or damage when not practice within reason.

5. Be prepared for anything and the whole. Exercising, teaching, and training in Aikido is not cushy. Because of the driving working rule of the martial art, it can be in a way frustrating if you haven’t prepared yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Part of the training is learning to cover with frustrations that come along the training.

The best solution whenever frustration sets in is that the practitioner should observe what is or are the possible causes of this frustration and how can they overcome these challenges. They should avoid comparing themselves with others and keep at improving their techniques.

2008-07-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Atemi

Atemi are feints or strikes that are used as attacks against the vital points o the body. This movement is meant to cause much damage; so it is rarely being used in aikido. Still, if there is a need, one can use atemi in fighting your way out of brawls. It can also be used as a form of distraction. Atemis can take your opponent by surprise and break his concentration by providing a startling incident. When used the right way, it can also ruin your opponent’s balance, which can provide an opportunity for you to strike or to run away.

Another form of strikes that can be used in aikido is the kick. This is however not used as often. Aikido does not encourage the use of kicks because injuries brought on by these kinds of movements may be too dangerous. Also, kicks are not so common in feudal Japan, where aikido originated.

Here are some forms of strikes that are often used.

face-thrust – Although the aikido name, Ganmen-tsuki, can be quite complicated, it is basically a punch directed to the face.

Front-face – Called Shomenuchi in aikido language, it is characterized by a vertical knife strike to the head of the opponent.

Side-face – Also termed Yokomenuchi, this strike is done by making a diagonal knife-hand strike at the side of the neck or the side of the head of the opponent.

Chest-thrust – Called Mune-tsuki, this is basically a punch to the torso, targeting the chest, the solar plexus and the abdomen

Attacks
Although attacks are basically not encouraged in the study of aikido, teachers still see the need for it should circumstances warrant a more offensive technique. One example of an attack used in aikido is the immobilizing grab, which is often used when opponents wield weapons.

Grabs
This is one of the most basic techniques in aikido. It is considered safer and easier to do. It is a technique used to free one’s hand, rid your opponents’ of their weapon or to immobilize a person.

2008-07-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

Weapons in Aikido

Aikido is one of the traditional forms of martial arts that combine both the body and the mind. It does not only emphasize the use of physical skills but also the spirituality of practitioners and those who wish to learn the art.

Aikido is a technique that incorporates moves that are more defensive than offensive. In fact, it seeks not to injure but to prevent or stop a person. This is perhaps why there is rarely a weapon used in the sport. The martial arts is made up mostly of movements and techniques. Still, there are some, who are already advanced, that go into weapons training. Weapons that are used in aikido are the tanto, the wooden jo and the bokken. Often, techniques in taking weapons from opponents and keeping the weapon practitioners are using are taught.

More than specific weapons, practitioners of aikido rely mostly on the moves that they are being taught with. Their mastery of these movements are their weapons against people who wish to do them harm.

Below is a rundown of the movements and techniques taught in aikido.

2008-07-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

Yoshimitsu Yamada was born on 17 February 1938 in Tokyo. His father, Ichiro, was an academic professor, and his mother, Michio, took care of his home. The father's family was related to Abe family and, when as a child Ichiro lost his parents, he was adopted by them.

The difficult situation of Japan during the II World War forced both families to emigrate to Korea during the forties, where they settled in Chinju, a small town, about 200 miles from Seoul. The Abe family head, Kazo, leased land there and run his own business, Ichiro Yamada went into mining business. They stayed in Korea until the end of war.

Ichiro Yamada’s cousin Tadashi Abe, had been practicing aikido since 1942. This coincidence undoubtedly affected the later life of Yoshimitsu. A just several years old Yoshimitsu has had contact with O-Sensei for the first time even before the trip to Korea during a martial arts presentation in Abe family home. This meeting made an unforgettable impression on him. He reminiscences, as if it were today: a nice, calm, elderly man O-Sensei seemed to be at first glance, become someone completely different on the mat - an uncatchable and mysterious master of martial arts.

2008-07-22T00:31:00.001-07:00

The Techniques of Aikido

Aikido is a relatively new Japanese martial art, created by one man Morihei Ueshiba (b. 1883 - 1969), known as O-Sensei (the Great Teacher). Aikido is the only purely defensive martial art. Aikido techniques uses circular rather than linear movements, with the defender moving out of the line of attack. Aikidoists learn to evade and redirect the power of the attack, resulting in the attacker being unbalanced and thrown or immobilized. Because of this principle of “non-resistance”, Aikido can be effectively performed even against larger and stronger opponents. From this aspect it can end an attack suddenly, severely, and decisively or dissipate it with the gentleness of a soft breeze. But Aikido is something more than only an effective self-defense system. To understand these ideas and principles it is necessary and essential to know something about Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei life and work.

2008-07-22T00:18:00.000-07:00

Aikido after O'Sensei

Primary leadership of traditional Aikido passed to O'Sensei's son, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Today, O'Sensei's grandson, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba heads the International Aikido Federation of which Shihan Isoyama is Technical Counselor.

One of the most famous practitioners of Aikido is Isoyama Shihan's student Steven Seagal, a Shihan who has introduced Aikido to the general public through his popular action movies.

2008-07-22T00:16:00.001-07:00

MORIHEI UESHIBA
1883-1969

MORIHEI UESHIBA founded the martial art of AIKIDO and is afforded the title O'SENSEI
(O' = "Great", Sensei + "Teacher")

At various times he had been a farmer, community leader, Sergeant in the Japanese Army during the Russo-Japanese War, martial arts instructor in both KENDO (Japanese fencing) and JU-JUTSU. Throughout his life he was an outspoken social critic. On several occasions he resigned civic positions rather than enforce rules he opposed.

In 1925, while living in a pacifistic commune, O'Sensei was inspired to refine Ju-Jutsu into a peaceful martial art, which would embody the moral ideal of not meeting force with force. Rather, O'Sensei sought methods for redirecting an opponent's strength without blocking, grappling or hitting. He began teaching the new martial art to the general public in the 1930's. In 1942, discouraged by Japan's decision to go to war, he moved to his Iwama farm/dojo and formally called his art "AIKIDO" (AI = "Harmonious" KI = "Spirit" DO = "the Way")

For the rest of his life O'Sensei dedicated himself to spreading the philosophy and practice of Aikido. His impressive demonstrations against multiple opponents, often experts of other martial arts, generated much interest in Aikido in Japan and throughout the world.

Dojo Samina-IBA

2008-07-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Logo Aikido Indonesia Aikikai

2008-07-08T00:22:00.000-07:00

Dojo Samina Logo

2008-07-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

TUJUH NILAI DASAR MENJADI PEMIMPIN

2008-07-06T23:51:00.001-07:00

pertama adalah jujur, setiap pemimpin harus jujur, terbuka, melaksanakan sesuai dengan peraturan.
Kedua adalah bertanggung jawab, bertanggungjawab atas apa yang dilakukan, terhadap yang dipimpin dan terhadap keseluruhan kepemimpinannya.
Ketiga adalah visioner, dapat berpikir dan melihat jauh ke depan untuk kepentingan organisasi dan orang yang dipimpinnya.
Keempat adalah disiplin, disiplin harus dimulai dari pemimpin, agar menjadi contoh teladan bagi yang dipimpinnya.
Kelima adalah kerjasama, pemimpin harus mampu bekerja sama dan mengembangkan kerja sama dengan siapa saja untuk mengembangkan organisasi ke arah kemajuan.
Keenam adalah adil, mampu adil dalam bertindak dan berperilaku.
Ketujuh adalah peduli atau care terhadap sesama, staf dan organisasi.

Aikido

2008-07-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. The aikidoka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks. Aikido can be categorized under the general umbrella of grappling arts.

Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religion. Ueshiba's early students' documents bear the term aiki-jūjutsu. Many of Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending on when they studied with him. Today aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques learned from Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.

Etymology and basic philosophy

The word "aikido" is formed of three kanji:

合 - ai - joining, harmonizing
気 - ki - spirit, life energy
道 - dō - way, path

The term dō connects the practice of aikido with the philosophical concept of Tao, which can be found in martial arts such as judo and kendo, and in more peaceful arts such as Japanese calligraphy (shodō) and flower arranging (kadō). The term aiki refers to the martial arts principle or tactic of blending with an attacker's movements for the purpose of controlling their actions with minimal effort.One applies aiki by understanding the rhythm and intent of the attacker to find the optimal position and timing to apply a counter-technique. Historically, aiki was mastered for the purpose of killing; however in aikido one seeks to control an aggressor without causing harm. The founder of aikido declared: "To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace." A number of aikido practitioners interpret aikido metaphorically, seeing parallels between aikido techniques and other methods for conflict resolution. These kanji are identical to the Korean versions of the characters that form the word hapkido, a Korean martial art. Although there are no known direct connections between the two arts, it is suspected that the founders of both arts trained in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu.

History

Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido.

Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba (Ueshiba Morihei, 14 December 1883–26 April 1969), referred to by some aikido practitioners as Ōsensei ("Great Teacher"). Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but also an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation. During Ueshiba's lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the koryū (old-style martial arts) that Ueshiba studied into a wide variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.

Initial development

Takeda Sokaku

Ueshiba developed aikido primarily during the late 1920s through the 1930s through the synthesis of the older martial arts that he had studied. The core martial art from which aikido derives is Daitō-ryū aiki-jūjutsu, which Ueshiba studied directly with Takeda Sokaku, the revivor of that art. Additionally, Ueshiba is known to have studied Tenjin Shin'yō-ryū with Tozawa Tokusaburō in Tokyo in 1901, Gotōha Yagyū Shingan-ryū under Nakai Masakatsu in Sakai from 1903 to 1908, and judo with Kiyoichi Takagi (Takagi Kiyoichi, 1894–1972) in Tanabe in 1911.

The art of Daitō-ryū is the primary technical influence on aikido. Along with empty-handed throwing and joint-locking techniques, Ueshiba incorporated training movements with weapons, such as those for the spear (yari), short staff (jō), and perhaps the bayonet (jūken). However, aikido derives much of its technical structure from the art of swordsmanship (kenjutsu).

Ueshiba moved to Hokkaidō in 1912, and began studying under Takeda Sokaku in 1915. His official association with Daitō-ryū continued until 1937. However, during the latter part of that period, Ueshiba had already begun to distance himself from Takeda and the Daitō-ryū. At that time Ueshiba was referring to his martial art as "Aiki Budō". It is unclear exactly when Ueshiba began using the name "aikido", but it became the official name of the art in 1942 when the Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society (Dai Nippon Butoku Kai) was engaged in a government sponsored reorganization and centralization of Japanese martial arts.

Religious influences

Onisaburo Deguchi

After Ueshiba left Hokkaidō in 1919, he met and was profoundly influenced by Onisaburo Deguchi, the spiritual leader of the Ōmoto-kyō religion (a neo-Shinto movement) in Ayabe. One of the primary features of Ōmoto-kyō is its emphasis on the attainment of utopia during one's life. This was a great influence on Ueshiba's martial arts philosophy of extending love and compassion especially to those who seek to harm others. Aikido demonstrates this philosophy in its emphasis on mastering martial arts so that one may receive an attack and harmlessly redirect it. In an ideal resolution not only is the receiver unharmed but so is the attacker.

In addition to the effect on his spiritual growth, the connection with Deguchi gave Ueshiba entry to elite political and military circles as a martial artist. As a result of this exposure, he was able to attract not only financial backing but also gifted students. Several of these students would found their own styles of aikido.

International dissemination

Aikido was first brought to the West in 1951 by Minoru Mochizuki with a visit to France where he introduced aikido techniques to judo students. He was followed by Tadashi Abe in 1952 who came as the official Aikikai Hombu representative, remaining in France for seven years. Kenji Tomiki toured with a delegation of various martial arts through fifteen continental states of the United States in 1953. Later in that year, Koichi Tohei was sent by Aikikai Hombu to Hawaii, for a full year, where he set up several dojo. This was followed up by several further visits and is considered the formal introduction of aikido to the United States. The United Kingdom followed in 1955; Italy in 1964; Germany and Australia in 1965. Designated "Official Delegate for Europe and Africa" by Morihei Ueshiba, Masamichi Noro arrived in France in September 1961. Today there are aikido dojo available to train throughout the world.

Proliferation of independent organisations

The biggest aikido organisation is the Aikikai Foundation which remains under the control of the Ueshiba family. However, aikido has many styles, mostly formed by Morihei Ueshiba's major students.^[17]

The earliest independent styles to emerge were Yoseikan Aikido, begun by Minoru Mochizuki in 1931, Yoshinkan Aikido founded by Gozo Shioda in 1955, and Shodokan Aikido, founded by Kenji Tomiki in 1967. The emergence of these styles pre-dated Ueshiba's death and did not cause any major upheavals when they were formalized. Shodokan Aikido, however, was controversial, since it introduced a unique rule-based competition that some felt was contrary to the spirit of aikido.

After Ueshiba's death in 1969, two more major styles emerged. Significant controversy arose with the departure of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo's chief instructor Koichi Tohei, in 1974. Tohei left as a result of a disagreement with the son of the founder, Kisshomaru Ueshiba , who at that time headed the Aikikai Foundation. The disagreement was over the proper role of ki development in regular aikido training. After Tohei left, he formed his own style, called Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, and the organization which governs it, the Ki Society.

A final major style evolved from Ueshiba's retirement in Iwama, Ibaraki, and the teaching methodology of long term student Morihiro Saito. It is unofficially referred to as the "Iwama style", and at one point a number of its followers formed a loose network of schools they called Iwama Ryu. Although Iwama style practitioners remained part of the Aikikai until Saito's death in 2002, followers of Saito subsequently split into two groups; one remaining with the Aikikai and the other forming the independent organization the Shinshin Aikishuren Kai, in 2004 around Saito's son Hitohiro Saito.

Today, the major styles of aikido are each run by a separate governing organization, have their own headquarters (, honbu dōjō) in Japan, and have an international breadth.

Physical training

In aikido, as in virtually all Japanese martial arts, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques. Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll. The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and in certain styles, techniques with weapons.

Fitness

Physical training goals pursued in conjunction with aikido include controlled relaxation, flexibility, and endurance, with less emphasis on strength training. In aikido pushing or extending movements are much more common than pulling or contracting movements. This distinction can be applied to general fitness goals for the aikido practitioner.

Certain anaerobic fitness activities, such as weight training, emphasize contracting movements. In aikido specific muscles or muscle groups are not isolated and worked to improve tone, mass, and power. Aikido related training emphasizes the use of coordinated whole body movement and balance similar to yoga or pilates. For example many dojo begin each class with warm-up exercises (, junbi taisō), which may include stretching and break falls.

Roles of uke and nage

Aikido training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (kata) rather than freestyle practice. The basic pattern is for the receiver of the technique (uke) to initiate an attack against the thrower ( nage, also referred to as tori, or shite, depending on aikido style), who neutralises this attack with an aikido technique.

Both halves of the technique, that of uke and that of nage, are considered essential to aikido training. Both are studying aikido principles of blending and adaptation. Nage learns to blend with and control attacking energy, while uke learns to become calm and flexible in the disadvantageous, off-balance positions in which nage places them. This "receiving" of the technique is called ukemi. Uke continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (e.g., an exposed side), while nage uses position and timing to keep uke off-balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, uke will sometimes apply reversal techniques (, kaeshi-waza) to regain balance and pin or throw nage.

Ukemi refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves a parry or breakfall that is used to avoid pain or injury, such as joint dislocations or atemi.

Initial attacks

Aikido techniques are usually a defense against an attack; therefore, to practice aikido with their partner, students must learn to deliver various types of attacks. Although attacks are not studied as thoroughly as in striking-based arts, "honest" attacks (a strong strike or an immobilizing grab) are needed to study correct and effective application of technique.

Many of the strikes of aikido are often said to resemble cuts from a sword or other grasped object, which may suggest origins in techniques intended for armed combat. Other techniques, which appear to explicitly be punches (tsuki), are also practiced as thrusts with a knife or sword. Kicks are generally reserved for upper-level variations; reasons cited include that falls from kicks are especially dangerous, and that kicks (high kicks in particular) were uncommon during the types of combat prevalent in feudal Japan. Some basic strikes include:

Front-of-the-head strike (shōmen'uchi) a vertical knifehand strike to the head.
Side-of-the-head strike (yokomen'uchi) a diagonal knifehand strike to the side of the head or neck.
Chest thrust (mune-tsuki) a punch to the torso. Specific targets include the chest, abdomen, and solar plexus. Same as "middle-level thrust" (chūdan-tsuki), and "direct thrust" (choku-tsuki).
Face thrust (ganmen-tsuki) a punch to the face. Same as "upper-level thrust" (, jōdan-tsuki).

Beginners in particular often practice techniques from grabs, both because they are safer and because it is easier to feel the energy and lines of force of a hold than a strike. Some grabs are historically derived from being held while trying to draw a weapon; a technique could then be used to free oneself and immobilize or strike the attacker who is grabbing the defender. The following are examples of some basic grabs:

Single-hand grab (katate-dori) one hand grabs one wrist.
Both-hands grab (morote-dori) both hands grab one wrist.
Both-hands grab (ryōte-dori) both hands grab both wrists. Same as "double single-handed grab" (ryōkatate-dori).
Shoulder grab (kata-dori) a shoulder grab. "Both-shoulders-grab" is ryōkata-dori.
Chest grab (mune-dori) grabbing the (clothing of the) chest. Same as "collar grab".

Basic techniques

Diagram of ikkyō, or "first technique". Yonkyō has a similar mechanism of action, although the upper hand grips the forearm rather than the elbow.

The following are a sample of the basic or widely practiced throws and pins. The precise terminology for some may vary between organisations and styles, so what follows are the terms used by the Aikikai Foundation. Note that despite the names of the first five techniques listed, they are not universally taught in numeric order.

First technique (ikkyō) a control using one hand on the elbow and one hand near the wrist which leverages uke to the ground. This grip also applies pressure into the ulnar nerve at the wrist.
Second technique (nikyō) a pronating wristlock that torques the arm and applies painful nerve pressure. (There is an adductive wristlock or Z-lock in ura version.)
Third technique (sankyō) a rotational wristlock that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder.
Fourth technique (yonkyō) a shoulder control similar to ikkyō, but with both hands gripping the forearm. The knuckles (from the palm side) are applied to the recipient's radial nerve against the periosteum of the forearm bone.
Fifth technique (gokyō) visually similar to ikkyō, but with an inverted grip of the wrist, medial rotation of the arm and shoulder, and downward pressure on the elbow. Common in knife and other weapon take-aways.
Four-direction throw (shihōnage) The hand is folded back past the shoulder, locking the shoulder joint.
Forearm return (kotegaeshi) a supinating wristlock-throw that stretches the extensor digitorum.
Breath throw (kokyūnage) a loosely used term for various types of mechanically unrelated techniques.
Entering throw (iriminage) throws in which nage moves through the space occupied by uke. The classic form superficially resembles a "clothesline" technique.
Heaven-and-earth throw (tenchinage) beginning with ryōte-dori; moving forward, nage sweeps one hand low ("earth") and the other high ("heaven"), which unbalances uke so that he or she easily topples over.
Hip throw ( koshinage) aikido's version of the hip throw. Nage drops his or her hips lower than those of uke, then flips uke over the resultant fulcrum.
Figure-ten throw ( jūjinage) or figure-ten entanglement ( jūjigarami) a throw that locks the arms against each other.
Rotary throw (kaitennage) nage sweeps the arm back until it locks the shoulder joint, then uses forward pressure to throw.
Rotary lock (kaiten osae)
Elbow lock (hijikime osae)
Arm entanglement (udegarami)
Breathing technique (kokyūhō)

Implementations

Diagram showing two versions of the ikkyō technique: one moving forward (the omote version) and one moving backward (the ura version). See text for more details.

Aikido makes use of body movement (tai sabaki) to blend with uke. For example, an "entering" (irimi) technique consists of movements inward towards uke, while a "turning" ( tenkan) technique uses a pivoting motion. Additionally, an "inside" (uchi) technique takes place in front of uke, whereas an "outside" ( soto) technique takes place to his side; a "front" (omote) technique is applied with motion to the front of uke, and a "rear" ( ura) version is applied with motion towards the rear of uke, usually by incorporating a turning or pivoting motion. Finally, most techniques can be performed while in a seated posture (seiza). Seated techniques are called suwari-waza.

Thus, from fewer than twenty basic techniques, there are thousands of possible implementations. For instance, ikkyō can be applied to an opponent moving forward with a strike (perhaps with an ura type of movement to redirect the incoming force), or to an opponent who has already struck and is now moving back to reestablish distance (perhaps an omote-waza version). Specific aikido kata are typically referred to with the formula "attack-technique(-modifier)". For instance, katate-dori ikkyō refers to any ikkyō technique executed when uke is holding one wrist. This could be further specified as katate-dori ikkyō omote, referring to any forward-moving ikkyō technique from that grab.

Atemi are strikes (or feints) employed during an aikido technique. Some view atemi as attacks against "vital points" meant to cause damage in and of themselves. For instance, Gōzō Shioda described using atemi in a brawl to quickly down a gang's leader. Others consider atemi, especially to the face, to be methods of distraction meant to enable other techniques. A strike, whether or not it is blocked, can startle the target and break his or her concentration. The target may also become unbalanced in attempting to avoid the blow, for example by jerking the head back, which may allow for an easier throw. Many sayings about atemi are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba, who considered them an essential element of technique.

Weapons training

Disarming an attacker using a "sword taking" (tachi-dori) technique.

Weapons training in aikido traditionally includes the short staff (jō), wooden sword (bokken), and knife (tantō). Today, some schools also incorporate firearms-disarming techniques. Both weapon-taking and weapon-retention are sometimes taught, to integrate armed and unarmed aspects, although some schools of aikido do not train with weapons at all. Others, such as the Iwama style of Morihiro Saito, usually spend substantial time with bokken and jō, practised under the names aiki-ken, and aiki-jō, respectively. The founder developed much of empty handed aikido from traditional sword and spear movements, so the practice of these movements is generally for the purpose of giving insight into the origin of techniques and movements, as well as vital practice of these basic building blocks.

Multiple attackers and randori

Technique performed against two attackers.

One feature of aikido is training to defend oneself against multiple attackers. Freestyle (randori, or jiyūwaza) practice with multiple attackers is a key part of most curricula and is required for the higher level ranks. Randori exercises a person's ability to intuitively perform techniques in an unstructured environment. Strategic choice of techniques, based on how they reposition the student relative to other attackers, is important in randori training. For instance, an ura technique might be used to neutralise the current attacker while turning to face attackers approaching from behind.

In Shodokan Aikido, randori differs in that it is not performed with multiple persons with defined roles of defender and attacker, but between two people, where both participants attack, defend, and counter at will. In this respect it resembles judo randori.

Injuries

In applying a technique during training, it is the responsibility of nage to prevent injury to uke by employing a speed and force of application that is commensurate with their partner's proficiency in ukemi. Injuries (especially those to the joints), when they do occur in aikido, are often the result of nage misjudging the ability of uke to receive the throw or pin.

A study of injuries in the martial arts showed that while the type of injuries varied considerably from one art to the other, the differences in overall rates of injury were much less pronounced. Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common types of injuries found within aikido although a few deaths from repetitive "shihōnage" have been reported.

Mental training

Aikido training is mental as well as physical, emphasizing the ability to relax the mind and body even under the stress of dangerous situations. This is necessary to enable the practitioner to perform the bold enter-and-blend movements that underlie aikido techniques, wherein an attack is met with confidence and directness. Morihei Ueshiba once remarked that one "must be willing to receive 99% of an opponent's attack and stare death in the face" in order to execute techniques without hesitation. As a martial art concerned not only with fighting proficiency but also with the betterment of daily life, this mental aspect is of key importance to aikido practitioners.

Ki

This was the kanji for ki

The study of ki is a critical component of aikido, and its study defies categorization as either "physical" or "mental" training, as it encompasses both. The original kanji for ki was 氣 (shown right), and is a symbolic representation of a lid covering a pot full of rice; the "nourishing vapors" contained within are ki.

The character "ki" is used in everyday Japanese terms, such as "health" (genki), or "shyness" (, uchiki). Ki is most often understood as unified physical and mental intention, however it is often found in traditional martial arts related with "life energy". Gōzō Shioda's Yoshinkan Aikido, considered one of the 'hard styles', largely follows Ueshiba's teachings from before World War II, and surmises that the secret to ki lies in timing and the application of the whole body's strength to a single point. In later years, Ueshiba's application of ki in aikido took on a softer, more gentle feel. This was his Takemusu Aiki and many of his later students teach about ki from this perspective. Koichi Tohei's Ki Society centers almost exclusively around the study of the empirical (albeit subjective) experience of ki with students ranked separately in aikido techniques and ki development.

Uniforms and ranking

Aikido practitioners, commonly called aikidōka, generally progress by promotion through a series of "grades" (kyū), followed by a series of "degrees" (dan), pursuant to formal testing procedures. Most aikido organisations use only white and black belts to distinguish rank, but some use various belt colors. Testing requirements vary, so a particular rank in one organization is not always comparable or interchangeable with the rank of another.

rank	belt	color	type
kyū		white	mudansha
dan		black	yūdansha

The uniform worn for practicing aikido (aikidōgi) is similar to the training uniform (keikogi) used in most other modern martial arts; simple trousers and a wraparound jacket, usually white. Both thick ("judo-style"), and thin ("karate-style") cotton tops are used. Aikido-specific tops are also available with shorter sleeves which reach to just below the elbow.

Most aikido systems also add a pair of wide pleated black or indigo trousers called a hakama. In many styles its use is reserved for practitioners with black belt (dan) ranks, while others allow all practitioners or female practitioners to wear a hakama regardless of rank.

Criticisms

The most common criticism of aikido is that it suffers from a lack of realism in training. The attacks initiated by uke (and which nage must defend against) have been criticized as being "sloppy," and "little more than caricatures of an attack." Weak attacks from uke cause a conditioned response from nage, and result in underdevelopment of the strength and conditioning needed for the safe and effective practice of both partners. To counteract this, a number of styles allow students -- after having demonstrated proficiency in being able to protect themselves and their training partners -- to become less compliant over time. Yoshinkan-style is noted for vigorous attack and defense. Shodokan Aikido addresses the issue by practicing in a competitive format.

Another criticism is that after the end of Ueshiba's seclusion in Iwama from 1942 to the mid 1950s, he increasingly emphasized the spiritual and philosophical aspects of aikido. As a result, strikes to vital points by nage, entering (irimi) and initiation of techniques by nage, the distinction between omote and ura techniques, and the practice of weapons, were all deemphasized or eliminated from practice. Lack of training in these areas is thought to lead to an overall loss of effectiveness by some aikido practitioners.

Alternately, there are some who criticize aikido practitioners for not placing enough importance on the spiritual practices emphasized by Ueshiba. The premise of this criticism is that "O-Sensei’s aikido was not a continuation and extension of the old and has a distinct discontinuity with past martial and philosophical concepts." That is, that aikido practitioners who focus on aikido's roots in traditional jujutsu or kenjutsu are diverging from what Ueshiba taught. Such critics urge practitioners to embrace the assertion that "[Ueshiba's] transcendence to the spiritual and universal reality was the fundamentals of the paradigm that he demonstrated."