1. Mind Over Matter First
Aikido is a martial arts sport that relies totally on defensive body movements. No offensive moves are allowed 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 produce fluid movements meant to align one with the universe and to teach a practical form of self-defense when needed. In addition, no competitive activities are associated with Aikido.
2. The Body Will Follow
Aikido stresses internal progress, not comparative progression. Your internal spiritual growth is as important as your ability to make all the moves properly. The ability to overcome personal demons and bad habits is one of the hallmarks of Aikido progression an earning belts. You will demonstrate an ability to be still in addition to defending your physical body to get a new belt. Aikido offers five levels of white belt before you are offered the opportunity to apply for a black belt.
3. Strike Techniques in Aikido
Atemi is the term used to describe the strike techniques in Aikido. Many people say that Aikido, being a totally self-defensive form of fighting, has no strikes. Other people counter by insisting that even fake strikes are strikes nonetheless, and if the student needed to complete the move in a real-life self-defense fight, he would know the move. In training, however, the strike is never completed.
4. The Last Resort
Aikido practitioners only use the strike when they have no other choice. A properly executed atemi move can incapacitate the opponent and end a fight. It can be fatal to the attacker if the blow hits a vital organ. Ideally, the strike will end the fight without debilitating consequences. Aikido's non-violent philosophy allows the student to do less whenever possible. Once an opponent is down, the Aikido student is free to leave without incurring further damage.
5. Fake Strike
The best choice, when possible, is for the Aikido practitioner to pretend that she is getting ready to deliver a fatal strike. This move may throw the attacker off and make him hesitate long enough for you to throw him down without instilling him with great pain. You must be very disciplined in your mental training to achieve full power with the fake atemi because you will need to redirect the energy of your opponent while controlling your own. A well-trained Aikido artist can touch his opponent without ever touching him, creating a shift in balance that allows the Aikido master to prevail. It is a very graceful approach that should only be used in the dojo unless you are most confident of your abilities.
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