“True Budo is the loving protection of all beings with
a spirit of reconciliation. Reconciliation means to allow the completion of everyone's mission.”
— Morihei Ueshiba
Originating in early 1900s Japan, Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba as both a practical martial art and a transformative journey. At its core, Aikido is a Budo—a "martial way"—that extends beyond mere combat techniques. The term "do" in Aikido and Budo signifies a path, a way of life woven into every aspect of daily existence.
Training in Aikido is multifaceted, encompassing various skills, techniques, and principles. Rooted in the philosophy of harmony, Aikido emphasizes non-violence and harmonious spirit, seeking to redirect an opponent's attack momentum through movements like "irimi" (entering), "atemi" (striking), and "tenkan" (turning).
The primary goal of Aikido is to overcome oneself, transcending violence and aggressiveness. As Ueshiba Morihei eloquently put it, "masakatsu agatsu katsuhayabi" means "true victory, final victory over oneself, here and now."
Progress in Aikido requires personal commitment and dedicated training, with fellow students, senior practitioners, and sensei serving as pillars of support and inspiration. To grasp Aikido's profound principles, one must delve deeply into the practice, exploring form, motion, attitudes, spiritual ideals, and human relations.
At Mushinkan Kokyo, our Aikido program is affiliated with the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo through Aikido Shimbokukai. We foster exchange, mutual support, and friendship among Aikido teachers from different traditions, enriching the experience for our practitioners.
Join us on the transformative journey of Aikido, where self-discovery and harmonious living intersect, and the art of Aikido becomes a way of life. Delve into daily training to gain clear insight into these profound areas of study, honing both your skills and your spirit.