Aikido relies on technique not strength, blending with the opponent and using their own momentum against themselves.
Aikido has the ability to offer more than self-defence by offering a holistic approach to life which is referred to as “budo” (ie.: a set of moral values), which is a long term (years) activity, or journey, of physical and cognitive self-improvement.
Some of the benefits of Aikido training are improved:
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Agility
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Reflexes
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Coordination
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Flexibility
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Relaxation
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Targeting, distance & timing
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Posture
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Body Movement
Both the study of Aikido & Shinto Muso Ryu requires training in pairs. This can assist with developing a number of positive characterisitcs such as:
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cooperation & respect of others
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patience
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awareness
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confidence
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self-discipline
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tenacity
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resiliance
The meaning of Aikido
To try and put it together, a very rough translation could be to describe Aikido as a method to blend with your opponents movements and energy.
There is an abundance of information on the internet about Aikido. Thus, I will not attempt to replicate or plagiarise it. Any information I have provided is either basic or what I deem essential. For example, what is Budo?