Aikido Basics

We all know that Aikido is a martial art from japan, but did you know what is the meaning of Aikido?

The name Aikido is formed by the combination of three characters in the Japanese language.

Ai, which means joining

Ki, which means spirit

Do, which means way.

If these three words actually summarize the essence of aikido as a form of martial art- the joining of the spirit to find the way. It was only in the period from 1930s to the 40s that the name aikido was officially accepted as the name of the martial arts form.

Aikido was first developed by Uesiba to avenge the death of his father. To achieve these goal, he learned many types of martial arts discipline. This is perhaps the reason why Aikido is such a diverse and multi-disciplinary form of martial arts.

Though he had much learn martial arts and be an expert, Ueshiba Felt that there is still something missing. It was then that he turned to the religions. He studied under a spiritual leader, Onisaburo Deguchiof the sect Omoto-kyo in Ayabe. Deguchiof taught him to take care of his spiritual growth. He then combined his spiritual beliefs and his mastery of the different martial arts. Aikido was born.

The main differences Aikido with other martial art discipline is Aikido uses techniques that do not intend damage or kill people. The movements and skills being taught are just meant to divert attention or immobilize people. This is perhaps the reason why most people prefer Aikido, because of it's focus on peace and harmony as opposed to aggression and conflict. In fact, Aikido developer Morihei Ueshiba believes that to control aggression without causing any injury is the art of peace.

Aikido is often viewed as more of a defensive martial art since its techniques and teachings are designed for you to avoid or get out of trouble. On the contrary, Aikido's techniques are very powerful and effective. Basically, there are four levels of technique in Aikido training. These are :

1. "KATAI" which refers to the basic training and is intended to build the foundation of body movements and breathing;


2. "YAWARAKAI" trains the defendant to deflect attacks and fuse movements to take control of the attacker or situation;


3. "KI-NO-NAGARE" which involves training the defendant to defend or counter attack by merging his movement with the attacker even before the latter makes contact;


4. "KI" which is the absolute Aikido technique and involves establishing a link of ki or spirit from the defender to the attacker.

Aikido has many techniques and moves. Its basic structure comes from the throws and locks found in jujitsu and also from the movements that experts do when they are fighting with swords and spears. Let's look at the different fundamental movements of this martial arts.
Ikkyo
This is the first technique in aikido, where control is achieved by the use of the hand on the elbow and one near the wrist. This is the grip that is also that can apply pressure into the ulnar, which can be found in the medial portion of the arm.
Nikyo
This is the second of the techniques, which is characterized by an adductive wristlock that twists the arm and then applies pressure in the nerve that can be really painful.
Sankyo
This is the third technique that incorporates a pronating move. It directs an upward tension all through the arm, the elbow and the shoulder.
Yonkyo
The fourth installment in the fundamental movements of aikido, yonkyo uses a shoulder control movement similar to a ikkyo but this time there is no gripping of the forearm. Instead, the knuckles apply pressure on the radial nerve.
Gokyo
The fifth technique is actually a variant of ikkyo. This time the hand gripping the wrist is inverted and twisted.


I have linked each move to a video to illustrate it.

To add a little excitement I found this photo by Magyar Bal´zs (license: Creative Commons, Attribution 3.0) which shows an shihonage throw. In this move the defender passes underneath his attacker's arm, lifts, pivots and throws.

Kotogaeshi
This is what is called in the English as the wrist return. In this move, the practitioner will place a wristlock and throw that will stretch up to the extensor digitorum
Iriminage
Called the entering-body throw, here the practitioner or the nage will move into the space where the uke or the opponent is. This classic move resembles the clothesline technique.
Kokyunage
This is the breath throw, a term that refers to the various types of "timing throws."
Koshinage
This move is aikido's version of the hip throw where in the person will drop his hips a little lower than the opponent or the uke. He will then flip the opponent with a resultant fulcrum.
Tenchinage
Called the heaven and earth throw because of the levels that the hands will reach. The uke or the practitioner will grab both wrists and then moves forwardm grabbing the hand low and the other high. This unbalances the uke, which will cause him or her to topple over.
Shihonage
This is the four-direction throw, wherein the hand is folded back past the shoulders and then afterwards locking the joints in the shoulder
Kaitennage
Called the rotation throw, in kaitennage, the practitioner or the nage will move the arm backwards until the shoulder joints are locked. He will then use this position to add pressure.
Jujinage
This is the throw that is characterized by a throw that locks the arms together. This is called shape like a 10 throw because of its cross-shape, which looks like 10 in kanji.