O Sensei

Although the roots of Aikido technique reach back into the fighting styles of feudal Japan, present day Aikido is the creation of a remarkable man, Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O Sensei, meaning great teacher.

O Sensei studied a variety of traditional martial arts including jujitsu (unarmed combat), kenjitsu (sword fighting) and sojitsu (spear fighting) and became one of the most renowned martial artists of his day.

O Sensei was also a follower of the Omoto religion and a man of high spiritual understanding. He came to the realization that fighting is a futile means of resolving conflicts, that violence only creates more violence. Even the most powerful and accomplished warriors must eventually succumb to time and aging. In the end defeat is inevitable.

O Sensei understood that ultimate victory came from not fighting at all. He saw that by manipulating and harmonizing with an attackers movement a fight can be completely avoided. In this way Aikido became an actual physical expression of his spiritual beliefs.

O Sensei continued his practice of Aikido until his death at age 86. After he passed away on April 26, 1969, the Japanese government bestowed it's highest honor, declaring Morihei Ueshiba to be a Sacred National Treasure of Japan.

Technical Principles

Aikido can seem almost magical at first with attackers flying through the air or withering in pain from what appear to be effortless movements on the part of the defender. However, it's not magic but movement that makes Aikido so effective.

The essence of all Aikido techniques is spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when the direction appears to be straight forward or backward, close observation reveals the Aikidoist's movements are in fact circular.

In Aikido you learn how to blend with the motion of an attack, redirecting the assailant's movement and taking them off balance. Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending an opponent flying through the air. Others are like sleight-of-hand: small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.

Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness; Aikido can be practiced by men and women of all ages.

Benefits

The benefits of Aikido training go far beyond simple self defense. Aikido teaches you how to focus your mind, body and spirit into powerful unified action, creating a vital, perceptive and engaging personality.

Daily practice improves your physical conditioning - strength, balance, flexibility, coordination and also your mental conditioning - self-confidence, concentration, alertness, intuitiveness and concern for others.

Aikido has been referred to as "Zen in motion" because of it's meditative and philosophical qualities. It fosters self-awareness that can eventually lead you toward spiritual enlightenment.

Aikido's philosophy of harmoniously dealing with conflict can also be used as a means of overcoming the stress and conflicts we face in our everyday lives. The principles of Aikido teach you how to avoid confrontations and to stay calm and centered in the midst of adversity.

USAF

The United States Aikido Federation is a non-profit organization made up of affiliated Aikido dojos and clubs from all areas of the United States. It is recognized as an official representative of the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters in Japan.

The USAF serves the interest of it's affiliated dojos by developing and improving the practice of Aikido, establishing grading standards, and representing the interests of its members in the Aikikai Foundation.

The USAF registers all dan (black belt) grades with the Aikikai Foundation and all kyu (non-black belt) ranks within itself. It promotes many seminars and training camps throughout the United States and also publishes a quarterly email newsletter.

USAF members are welcome to practice at any USAF dojo when traveling.

Links

• "Aikido Online reflects the teachings of perhaps the most prominent group of Aikido Shihan (master teachers) living outside Japan today." Read articles, watch videos and VRs, shop the Market Place and Art Gallery, and join discussions on this popular Aikido website.
• United States Aikido Federation website including information on USAF, links to federation dojos, and seminar and events calendar.
• Aikido East - "The United States Aikido Federation Onlne Newsletter" A message from Yamada Sensei, articles, seminar photos, kids section, and promotions.
• Koshin Dojo - Dojo in Miramar, FL run by Sensei Emmanuel Herzog. Sensei Herzog also teaches at Florida Aikikai and is the Technical Director of the Venezuelan Aikido Federation.
• Sailing Family Photos - A family business run by Florida Aikikai member Sarah Hair and her family. Contains galleries of many Florida Aikikai classes and events plus many other beautiful photos. Prints of photos found on this site are available for ordering.