1. Learning About Aikido
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 produces fluid movements meant to align one with the universe and to teach a practical form of self-defense when needed. You will find no competitive activities associated with Aikido.
2. Internal Progress and Growth
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 he 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. Randori: Freestyle Aikido
To better serve the Aikido student who will be competing in a mixed martial arts contest or who may face multiple attackers, instructors may teach a form of freestyle aikido. It is called randori and 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 of his skills and include most of the moves he learned in Aikido at one time to defeat the opponents.
4. Extreme Fighting
Many techniques that are not normally part of the mainstream teachings of Aikido are employed in an extreme freestyle session. Fatal blows and incapacitating strikes may be incorporated to the attackers. The student is taught to take down the opponents one by one, always in hopes that the rest of the gang will flee in fear from the talented fighter whom they have attacked. Aikido gets a little more aggressive in freestyle mode. Students must be made aware that this type of fighting is purely to be used as a self-defense tool in extreme situations.
5. Toning Recommended
Cross training is recommended for Aikido students who plan on utilizing freestyle techniques. This training should include activities that increase flexibility and muscle control, while building strength. Students should include practices such as yoga and Pilates, which also incorporate a mind/body element, as well as relaxation and core toning. Weightlifting is not a sport that is useful to any Aikido practitioners, though toning with light weights can help to build the kind of strength needed in the controlled movements of Aikido.
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