Aikido

Whenever I move, that's Aikido. (O'Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba)

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. Aikido is not static, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature; most attacks are linear. The Aikidoist harmonizes with, rather than confronts, an aggressive line and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless.

Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defense technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or 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. This is still true of Aikido today, although different styles emphasize the more spiritual aspects to greater or lesser degrees. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art.

It is up to the practitioner of Aikido to find out what Aikido is for themselves without any preconceived notions. There are no competitive tournaments. Aikidoists train to better themselves without belittling others, and as Aikido seeks not to cause harm, techniques can be practiced eventually at full power without fear of injury.

Tendoryu

Tendoryu Aikido differs from the other styles in its emphasis on large and clear movements, and its smooth and harmonic flow of motion. The thought behind Tendoryu is to use the power of the aggressor against him or her self. This means that strength is not an important factor in Tendoryu Aikido. The goal is not to harm your opponent or even to win, but to get the aggressor to realise that attacking does not lead to anything.

Kenji Shimizu Sensei was the last uchideshi of Morihei Ueshiba. After receiving his 7th Dan and O'Sensei had passed on, Shimizu Sensei founded an independent Aikido school in Tokyo called 'Tendokan'. In 1991 he received his 8th Dan from the Nihon Kokusai Budoin thereby being one of the highest graduated Aikido masters in the world. In 2002 he was honoured by the Japanese foreign minister for spreading the knowledge of Aikido as a part of the Japanese culture. Sensei Kenji Shimizu travels to Europe several times a year to teach Aikido.

Demonstration by Tendoryu Aikido Tendokan Dojo-cho KENTA SHIMIZU (2019)

 

Source: Tendoryu Aikido Tendokan YouTube