Akshay Kumar in Aikido

AIKIDO

Aikido,"the way of divine harmony", is a Japanese martial art. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit."

Founded in 1938 by Ueshiba Morihei, a martial artists who had studied daito-ryu aiki-ju-jitsu, developed Aikido as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. He started teaching his new ‘way of divine harmony’ which was dubbed Aikido in order to promote a higher level of martial artist for 20th Century Japan. His goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Developed from the Zen philosophy in the belief that the center of mediation and the source of mental strength or power, ki, is centered in the body, about an inch above the navel, Aikido is essentially a noncombative martial arts. Instead it emphasizes throwing and joint techniques over striking and kicking techniques. Students are taught to react to an attack by throwing and subduing the aggressor and by applying pressure to joints or vital points causing pain and submission.

Requiring little physical energy, Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. The practitioner "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.

The techniques Ueshiba created emphasized throwing and ensnaring by the use of circular movements. Evasion techniques are used to avoid conflict. Since Aikido is an entirely defensive art, practicing free form sparring is considered unacceptable and morally repugnant.

Various styles have since been developed including a style of sport Aikido combining special techniques that derive from judo. Another style developed includes combat-oriented techniques and closely resembles the classical sect of aiki-jujitsu, though it’s spiritual purpose is like Ueshiba’s Aikido. These styles as well as Ueshiba's original noncombative system have become popular and taught throughout the world.

Aikido can be categorized under the general umbrella of grappling arts.