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 Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art, was developed in the early part of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), now known as O-Sensei ("venerable teacher").
A disciplined student of martial arts principle and philosophy, O-Sensei created Aikido out of his exhaustive study of armed and unarmed methods of defense. Unlike other martial arts, emphasis in Aikido is not directed towards street fighting or the advancement of students through competitive tournaments. Aikido techniques seek harmony in neutralization and control rather than in the violent defeat of an attacker. Potentially destructive energy is redirected through the synthesis of body and mind in movement.
Aikido's style is generated from strategy, movement, and a variety of throwing, joint-locking, pinning and striking techniques that require little physical strength to perform. Training stresses form, mutual cooperation, awareness of others and the coordination of the body's movement with a calm state of mind. Aside from its utility as a methodcof self-defense, Aikido also stresses the perfection of character and the development of positive human qualities such as compassion, courage, endurance and inner strength. In this spirit, Aikido training is undertaken to improve the individual and society.
Tokyo, Japan is the site of the founding dojo (training hall) for the Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo). Through Hombu Dojo, O-Sensei's grandson carries on the traditionals and practice of Aikido internationally through several organizations including the Aikido World Alliance. |
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About the Founder of Aikido |
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 Born in 1883, Morihei Ueshiba was a life-long martial artist and master of many schools and styles. Standing barely 5 feet tall, there are many pictures and videos of this diminutive man throwing young, powerful students with the ease of a single breath.
The life of O-Sensei is well documented by grateful followers of his teachings and many of his original students are still alive today to recount his great martial prowess and spiritual wisdom.
After a life spent immersed in the fighting arts, O-Sensei had a spiritual renaissance. It is from this metamorphosis that current-day Aikido was born. Designated the "Art of Peace" by the Founder, Aikido was meant to transcend violence and preserve harmony throughout the Universe by showing infinite compassion to all living things - even one's enemies. |
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About The Aikido World Alliance |
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The Aikido World Alliance (AWA), is one of numerous nationally-based organizations serving as an extension of the Hombu Dojo (the Aikido World Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan.
Founded in Andrew Sato, Rokudan, the AWA provides instruction, recognition of schools, rank certification and instructional support to member dojo.
The purpose of Aikido World Alliance is to further the art of Aikido worldwide based on the technique & teaching methodology developed by F. Toyoda Shihan.
For more information on the Aikido World Alliance visit the organization's website at http://www.aikidoworldalliance.com/
 Chief Instructor Andrew M. Sato, Rokudan Aikikai, is a full time Aikido instructor and the former Chief Instructor for the Aikido Association of America & Aikido Association International and Tenshinkan dojo, headquarter dojo for the AAA.
Sato Sensei began his Aikido training in 1977 under F. Toyoda Shihan, first as a member of the Ki Aikido Society, then as member of the AAA & AAI. During his tenure as Chief Instructor for the AAA& AAI he traveled extensively throughout Europe and the USA passing on the methodology teachings of Toyoda Shihan's Aikido.
F. Toyoda, Shihan founded the Aikido Association of America in 1984. His life and involvement in Aikido are well documented on the Aikido Association of America's website. |
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