Aikido: Extreme Self Defense
The arts of self defense are known for being a cultural entity which many have come to embrace into their lives, with just cause. As in these dangerous times one just can't be careless with regards one's safety, Martial Arts and self defense tactics pose to arm martial arts practitioners with the ultimate of self defense weaponry: Their own bodies, hands and feet.
Aikido would be one such martial art, which is rising in popularity as a self defense philosophy and practical activity. Aikido is basically a Japanese martial art in which a synthesis of philosophy, religious beliefs and martial studies are combined. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, and is translated as "the Way of Harmonious Spirit" or "the Way of Unifying (with) Life Energy". Morihei Ueshiba's goal in his formation of Aikido was to create an art in which practitioners are armed with the capacity to successfully defend themselves, without causing any permanent injury to their attackers.
As a form of self defense, Aikido is truly one martial art ideal for the task, as most of its forms, principles and teachings, as a martial art, is set on the defensive side of hand to hand combat. An emphasis on redirecting attacks to an Aikido practitioner's advantage is the most defined highlight when talking about Aikido. Aikido, opposed to the concept of going against an offensive attack full front, rather redirects an attack, harnessing the energy spent on fueling it to an Aikido practitioner's advantage.
As a martial art, Aikido makes use of bodily throws and joint-locking techniques, which are oftentimes simple, yet highly effective against would-be attackers. With Aikido, Aikido practitioners have no problems overwhelming attackers, even if they were larger in size. Aikido, as a martial art, doesn't only benefit Aikido practitioners with self defense skills, as Aikido also gives emphasis on the value of physical fitness. Mental training is also one of the many disciplines involved in Aikido, as well as controlled relaxation and the enhancement and development of one's "life energy" or "spirit" which is the Ki.
Ki, and the study of Ki is given emphasis in Aikido, as the study of Ki basically encompasses both mental and physical training. Bottom line, the Ki represents elements of balance, which Aikido practitioners take control of, in the course of their Aikido learning excursions and Aikido applications.
As a self defense form, Aikido is truly extreme, bearing the status of a defensive martial art, and not necessarily an offensive one.
