1. Step It Up
Aikido is a martial art that relies completely on defensive body movements. There are no offensive moves in the sport, which aims to align the chi, or center of the spiritual body, with the physical placement of your hands, feet and torso. The unification of the mind and body in Aikido produces fluid movements meant to align one with the universe and provide a practical form of self-defense. There are no competitive activities associated with Aikido. Combined with Jui Jitsu striking and restraining techniques, the style is called Shodokan Aikido.
2. Randori
Shodokan Aikido has two facets to better serve the Aikido student who competes in a mixed martial arts contest, or who may face multiple attackers. One is called Randori, which is not practiced in every dojo. While Aikido stresses the calm, certain moves of a tiger, freestyle Aikido is much more frantic. The randori student will call upon all his skills and rely on all the moves he learned throughout his Aikido training to defeat the opponents. The moves can be adjusted to accommodate every fitness level, from children as young as five or six, to seniors. Men and women can both learn the techniques.
3. Kata
Kata training concentrates on the peace alignment of the chi, or inner self, with the physical body. Kata students learn breathing, posture and good dojo manners. Importance is placed on flexibility and agility. In the Kata phase, emphasis is placed on falling and breaking falls, and working with weapons, such as swords and spears. Good health and safety are always stressed.
4. Competitions Arise
Since there are no formal competitions in Aikido, the Shodokan Aikido offers matches that test students' abilities. Participants are not allowed to use any of the Randori techniques to injure an opponent; instead, the competitions focus on breaking the balance of the opponent and stopping an attack.
5. Prepare to Play
Prior to a match, Shodokan Aikido students are taught to stretch and warm up with light exercises. They should prepare by falling and rolling during their warm up. The Kata and Randori moves come together in the competition until one student has taken down the other. While Shodokan Aikido may prepare marital artists to compete in mixed martial arts competitions, it still maintains the nonviolent philosophy of Aikido. To master an extreme games match, a student may need further study in other disciplines, such as Judo or Jui Jitsu.
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