History Japanese Aikido Martial Arts

Series Summary

Aikido, the modern Japanese martial art, was developed between the 1920s and 1960s and emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical development of its students. This development of spirituality and philosophical belief is directly derived from Shinto and Buddhism. The name “aikido” comes directly from three Japanese characters that stand for “matching,” “spirit,” and “way.” Aikido is meant to distract or immobilize, not kill or permanently damage the attacker. Aikido fighters are thus demonstrating an effective but merciful response. Ueshiba (the Great Teacher of Aikido) declared “To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.”

In these free martial arts video clips, see an expert demonstrate beginner Japanese aikido moves, throws, locks, drops and other techniques. Practice with our expert as he shows you beginner aikido forms and stances, as well as introducing aikido fitness exercises and fighting philosophy. It’s everything you need to know to get started on the path to becoming an aikido master. It may be a long road, but remember that every journey begins with one step.

Video Transcript

" On behalf of Expert Village, my name is Ralph Reyes. I'm the dojo cho and aikido instructor at Chi Martial Arts in Miami Shores, Florida. Today we are going to learn beginner's techniques in aikido. Okay aikido is one of the samurai budo arts, its origin of course coming from Japan. And its lineage comes from Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu, which is the unarmed hand to hand combat that the samurai's will use to defend themselves when not using a sword. Aikido is a traditional Japanese Budo; it came from Daito-ryu aiki jujitsu and it is one of the true samurai arts. It is currently practiced internationally all over the world. The aikido headquarters are stationed in Tokyo, Japan with the Aikikai Honbu World headquarters."