Countless martial artists around the world attest to the fact that aikido is the best martial art. Why? Two reasons: 1.) It is a highly effective martial art primarily used in self-defence, and 2.) It includes training of the practitioner’s state of mind and physical condition as well.
As a whole, the mind, body and spirit are in harmony with one another in this type of modern Japanese martial art. The best part is aikido teaches an individual how to defend her/himself against a number of different forms of attack. Do those things mentioned above make aikido any different from the rest of the martial arts? Let’s see.
- Distinctness
Unlike other forms of martial arts, aikido has its own set of moral foundations and goals. Spiritual discipline is likewise given high priority on top of other aspects aside from having a unique way of providing indirect solutions to hostile attacks. Other forms of martial arts may not be as distinct when it comes to these features.
- Taking advantage of the enemy’s momentum
Rather than applying strength over an opponent like letting out a kick or a punch, the aikido practitioner instead tries to use to his advantage the foe’s momentum by redirecting it. As much as possible, no one should be hurt in such a ‘combative’ situation. By this, it shows that even if you are inferior to your enemy in terms of age, size and physical strength, you can still triumph when you apply your know-how once the situation calls for it. You cannot find this technique in any other form of martial arts.
- Grace and power
There is so much remarkable grace and power when you are attempting to throw the attacker or pin the person down. This is because aikido learners are taught to discover creative options when faced with physical and verbal conflict by way of the principles of blending and non-resistance.
- Art of collaboration
Experts assert that although aikido involves both physical and mental training, it is in no way, an intellectual process per se. This training of the body and mind is executed in an environment of long-established Japanese discipline and formality in which competitions do not exist; only aikido matches.
What makes aikido artistic is the collaboration between the ‘uke’ or the initiator of the attack and the ‘nage’ or the receiver of such an attack. The nage then neutralises or throws the uke. When you view it carefully, both partners are actually receiving something since the response to throwing is pinning. Such an artistic collaboration cannot be found in other martial arts.
- Use of primary weapons
Instead of a real samurai which is not quite safe for beginners and even professionals, aikido practice involves the use of aikido bokken – a cheap and safe alternative training sword made of wood. Another wooden staff called ‘jo’ is also used in practice as well as the ‘tanto’ or dagger used for defence against knife attacks.
If you think you’re cut out for this martial art, sign up for a course today and experience what it feels like using an aikido bokken during practice. Open this link for more valuable information.
