Takemusu Aikido Society

Etiquette is an integral part of any traditional budo. There is a saying: Budo starts and ends with courtesy. It is extremely important to follow etiquette rules, as they help practitioners to follow the martial path safely and with pleasure. Etiquette helps practitioners to be constantly aware and at the same time respectful to the partners, teachers, and students. Dojo where etiquette rules are optional often lose the spirit of budo.  In our Aikido school everyone is expected to follow the traditional rules of etiquette. The following points are important but not exhaustive rules. You should watch how do other people behave and listen to the teacher.  Good manners in dojo:   The third Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba performs sitting bow. Demonstrations at 20th Anniversary of Osaka Aikijuku Dojo. Take off your shoes before entering tatami area. Sit on your knees and bow to kamidana - central area with Japanese writings on the wall.  Clean the mats before practice. Do not res...

Ai-Ki-Dou Some people translate the word 'Aikido' as 'Way of Love and Harmony' because Ai means Love in Japanese. But it is important to know how the word is written to correctly translate it from the Japanese language. The word 'Aikido' consists of three charterers 合 (Ai), 気 (Ki), and 道 (Dou). 合 (Ai) is conjunction, synthesis, meeting, harmony, unifying. (The word Love is written using totally different character 愛); 気 (Ki) means spirit, mind, intention; 道 (Dou) is way, path. So Aikido can be translated as the 'Way of Harmony of Minds'. It is difficult to choose one and only correct way to translate this word, because in Japanese all versatility of meanings combined in one character. Therefore everyone can interpret it slightly differently, but in all cases it will be something about unification of actual or spiritual movements or intentions. 

Morihei Ueshiba Aikido is not a sport, not system of self-defence nor gymnastics. Aikido is budo, literally “the martial way” implying a martial discipline for character development practiced as a lifelong pursuit. Practitioners of budo develop technical martial skills while striving to unify of mind, technique and body, develop their character, enhance their sense of morality, and cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Thus, budo serves as a path to self-perfection. Aikido was created in the first half of 20 century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883~1969), a master of traditional weapons and empty-handed ju-jutsu techniques including notorious  Daito-ryu Aiki Ju-Jutsu . The main feature of Aikido is blending with the power or motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on.  Aikido practitioners develop physical and mental strength through repetitive practice, without rushing and competitions, according to their proficiency leve...