Читать книгу Complete Aikido. Aikido Kyohan: The Definitive Guide to the Way of Harmony онлайн

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Aikido is often defined as a peaceful martial art, an art of love, spirituality and mental discipline. While this is correct, the true and legitimate historical aspects, martial and practical applications of aikido have oftentimes been grossly misrepresented. This compels me to address the current state of aikido. Some styles teach aikido primarily as a philosophy of life and as a means of spiritual development and social intercourse, ignoring the defensive or martial aspects, treating them as a means of exercise. Still other styles teach aikido solely to vanquish an adversary as quickly as possible, ignoring the spiritual aspects. While all of these motives are valid reasons to study any martial art, separately, they are not conducive to the understanding and continued integrated development of the total martial art form aikido was meant to be.

Further, as a result of these differing conceptions, aikido has often been described as an ineffective martial art, a formerly effective art that has been “watered-down,” a martial arts dance form, and other derogatory definitions. The truth of the matter is, if aikido is practiced diligently and sincerely, with emphasis on its original martial traditions and standards, it is one of the most effective means of self-defense in the world. The techniques in aikido are extremely potent, and can cause crippling or even fatal injury. However, if practiced under ideal conditions with a knowledgeable teacher, one can learn how to apply aiki principles in everyday life. It is this integrated approach that defines true aikido, and one should seek out an aikido style that teaches self-control, humility, confidence, and discipline, emphasizes spirituality, and yet is ultimately street-effective.