Welcome to Twin Cities Seidokan Aikido
- Aikido Classes - Jewish Community Center, St. Louis Park, MN
Mon.7:30-8:30PM Wed.7:30-8:30PM
For more information:
• call - 612-280-6814
•
email - info@saxpower.com
History of Aikido?
Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. As a boy, he witnessed the beating of his father for political reasons. He decided that would never happen to him and set out to make himself strong. He devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. In spite of his impressive physical and martial capabilities, however, he felt very dissatisfied.
Ueshiba began exploring religions in the hope of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while pursuing his studies of budo, or the martial arts. By combining his martial training with his religious and political ideologies, he created the modern martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba decided on the name "Aikido" in 1942 (before that he called his martial art "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi").
On the technical side, Aikido is rooted in several styles of jujitsu (from which modern judo is also derived), in particular daitoryu-(aiki)jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting arts. In simplist terms, we might say that Aikido takes the joint locks and throws of jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and spear fighting. We must also recognize, however, that many Aikido techniques are the result of Master Ueshiba's own innovation.
On the religious side, Ueshiba was a devotee of one of Japan's so-called "new religions," Omotokyo. Omotokyo was (and is) part neo-shintoism, and part socio-political idealism. One goal of omotokyo has been the unification of all humanity in a single "heavenly kingdom on earth" where all religions would be united under the banner of omotokyo. It is impossible sufficiently to understand many of O Sensei's writings and sayings without keeping the influence of Omotokyo firmly in mind.
Aikido
Vasili is currently a 2nd degree black-belt in Seidokan Aikido, with 13 years of experience. He has also practiced Karate for 10 years and studied Chi Gong, Yoga and Tai Chi.
Vasili approaches Aikido from both martial and spiritual perspectives. His technique is based on total effectiveness, while remaining calm and relaxed. He was a direct student of Roderick T. Kobayashi Sensei (Founder of Seidokan Aikido) and continues the practice and teaching of Kobayashi Sensei's philosophy and technique.
What Is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art 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 throws and joint locks derived from Jujitsu, and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching and kicking opponents, but on using their own energy to either gain control or move them away. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Practitioners discover many benefits from Aikido: self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health, peace of mind.
O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. "The Way of Harmony of the Spirit" is one way that "Aikido" may be translated into English. This is still true of Aikido today, although styles vary in their emphasis on the spiritual aspects.
While the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art. We won't attempt to pigeonhole Aikido into a neat synopsis— that would not do it justice. We leave it to you, the practitioner of Aikido, to discover it for yourself without any preconceived notions.
