Bushido Budo Centre - Martial Arts and Self Defense

Description

Aikido is a Japanese martial art invented by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). It emphasises redirection of force to neutralise attacks. The name comes from the Japanese words ai, ki and do, which can be translated to mean "harmonious spirit path, " or "the way of harmony."
What makes Aikido different from other martial arts? Other martial arts, such as Chinese kung fu, Japanese karate and Korean tae kwon do, emphasise striking (punching and kicking) to defeat attacks. Aikido, on the other hand, is a grappling art. Instead of punching an attacker, an Aikidoka (Aikido practitioner) dodges an incoming strike, thus robbing it of its force, and then redirects it with a grab, transferring control to the defender. The Aikidoka can release the attacker, or can safely pin him to the ground using joint locks, whose pain increases according to resistance. Aikido, therefore, allows practitioners to defend themselves without being vicious. But in a life-or-death attack, an Aikidoka can apply the same techniques with greater force, and against multiple attackers. Aikido looks pretty, but does it really work? Many online video Aikido demonstrations create the impression that Aikido is little more than pre-arranged hopping and rolling. That's unfortunate, and highly misleading. During Aikido practice, both the attacker (uke) and the defender (nage) are perfecting the execution of their techniques. The attacker is primarily practicing how safely to roll away from throws. The defender is practicing dodging, timing and throwing. Both are practicing on mats. In real life, if an Aikidoka needs to defend him or herself, the attacker won't be landing on any nice, cushioning mats. He'll be thrown to the earth and pinned in place with a joint lock. Have you ever slipped and fallen on concrete? Ever been thrown to a hard floor? Ever had your wrist or arm cranked after being pinned to the ground? Then you know what an attacker will feel after facing Aikido. Can women train in Aikido? Some women shy away from martial arts because they fear they're not tall, big, muscular or fierce enough to defend themselves. Others hope that a canister of bear spray (easily dropped or lost) or single-weekend self-defense course (immediately forgotten) is sufficient to protect their own lives (or their loved ones' lives). Because Aikido depends on timing and redirection of force, it doesn't require brute force to be effective. What it does require is dedication. Surely saving your life--and getting fit--is worth a little dedication, right? Countless women love and excel at Aikido, and many are its top instructors. What are the health and age barriers in Aikido? Aikido classes at Bushido Budo Centre are definitely not a "boot camp" environment in which angry instructors will constantly push you past your limits to the point of injury. Instead, you'll find classes a warm, welcoming environment. Aikido at Bushido Budo Centre is an enjoyable, safe opportunity for you to increase your fitness, coordination, flexibility and energy level. Both the young and the mature can benefit from training in Aikido. Children as young as six, and adults into their eighties, are part of the worldwide community of Aikido. Regardless of your current strength, endurance or flexibility level, you will benefit from Aikido training and notice your improvements quickly. Listen to your body: if you need to stop, do so. Instead of worrying that others will think ill of you, you'll become aware quickly at Bushido Budo Centre that others respect your wisdom. Training while injured will only increase the duration and severity of your injury. You wouldn't drive your car or bicycle on a flat tire. Similarly, you should protect your body before you protect your ego. As with any exercise programme, you should consult your doctor before practicing Aikido. Contact us today if you have any questions. We hope to see you soon.