The History and Origins of Aikido
Dear members of the New School Aikido community,
This month, we’re exploring the fascinating history and origins of Aikido. Aikido is a martial art that was developed in Japan in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba was born in 1883 and began studying martial arts at a young age. He eventually merged his knowledge of various martial arts with his spiritual beliefs to create Aikido.
The name Aikido means “the way of harmony with the spirit,” and it emphasizes the principles of non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution. Ueshiba believed that Aikido should be a way of life, not just a physical practice. He encouraged his students to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual selves through the practice of Aikido.
Ueshiba’s teachings were based on the idea that the universe is made up of ki, or life energy, and that Aikido techniques should harmonize with this energy. Aikido techniques are designed to redirect an attacker’s energy and use it against them, rather than meeting force with force.
Ueshiba’s legacy lives on through the practice of Aikido around the world. Aikido dojos, like New School Aikido, continue to teach his principles of non-violence and harmonious conflict resolution. Through the practice of Aikido, students can develop physical fitness, mental clarity, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
As we delve deeper into the history and teachings of Aikido, we encourage you to think about the people in your life who could benefit from the practice of Aikido. Perhaps you have a friend or family member who could benefit from the physical and mental benefits of Aikido, or who could benefit from learning peaceful conflict resolution techniques. Invite them to join you at New School Aikido and experience the transformative power of Aikido for themselves.
As a special promotion, we’re offering the first week of classes for free to new students. Additionally, if you sign up for one month of classes, you’ll receive the second month for free. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your Aikido practice and share it with others.
In harmony,
The New School Aikido Team
New School Aikido
8807 Thornton Rd. Suite R3
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 462-8600
http://newschoolaikido.net/
Introduction to Aikido Principles and Philosophy
Introduction to Principles and Philosophy of Aikido
Dear Aikido enthusiasts,
We are excited to share with you the principles and philosophy of Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes non-violent conflict resolution and self-defense techniques. Developed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido focuses on redirecting the attacker’s energy and using it against them, rather than meeting force with force.
At New School Aikido, we believe that Aikido is not just a physical practice, but a way of life. By embodying the principles of harmony, compassion, and mutual respect, we can cultivate a more peaceful and connected world.
One of the key tenets of Aikido is the concept of “blending” with the energy of the attacker, rather than opposing it. Through this practice, we learn to remain calm and centered even in the midst of conflict, and to respond with empathy and understanding rather than aggression.
Another fundamental principle of Aikido is the importance of “ki,” or life energy. By cultivating our ki through meditation, breathing exercises, and physical practice, we can enhance our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
We invite you to join us at New School Aikido to experience the transformative power of Aikido for yourself. Whether you are looking to improve your physical fitness, learn effective self-defense techniques, or deepen your understanding of Aikido philosophy, our experienced instructors are here to guide and support you.
As a special promotion, we are offering the first week of classes for free, and if you sign up for one month, you’ll get the second month free. We encourage you to share this offer with others in your life who could benefit from the practice of Aikido.
Thank you for your commitment to personal growth and community building, and we look forward to seeing you on the mat!
Sincerely,
The New School Aikido team
New School Aikido
8807 Thornton Rd. Suite R3
Stockton, CA 95209
(209) 462-8600
http://newschoolaikido.net/
Get your two free classes
At New School Aikido we know there are many options on martial arts, but we are firm believers than once you try this non-violent self defense style you will opt to follow through with the learning experience. That is why we are offering two free classes so you can try this amazing art.
As always we are just one phone call away, call us directly. (209) 670-7536
or email us at newschoolaikido@gmail.com
You can learn more about the dojo and our history on About us Section, or check some of our etiquette videos on Youtube
Putting on your uniform Belt
Now that you have your uniform is also important to learn the proper way to tie your belt.
Japanese Pronunciation
Since Aikido is a Japanese Art, it uses a lot of Japanese words.
While training in Aikido does not include mastering the Japanese language, for those of you who are interested, this is a more in-depth guide for the pronunciation and meaning of Japanese words and terms related to our training.
Vowels
Similar to Spanish, Japanese generally has only one sound assigned to each vowel:
- a = “aw” sound as in raw, top, calm.
- i = “ee” as in eel, meal, iguana.
- u = “00” as in moon, tune, flu.
- e = “eh” as in met, well, elevator.
- o = “oh” as in open, tone, loan.
In Japanese, each syllable is pronounced for an equal amount of time. The word hakama is often pronounced in a more English way: “huh-KAW-muh”, but in Japanese would be closer to sounding like “hakka-ma”
New Class coming up
Hey guys, we are very thrilled to start a new class starting November 3 (Aikido Adaptive) from 10:00AM – 12:00pm with Mark Smith.
For those who are new to Aikido or who want to get back on the mat. Everyone is welcome.
Gallery
Pictures from Class on Tuesday August 28, 2018
Photo Credit: @jahazielmagana (Jahaziel Photography)