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Find Out More About Aikido Dojo San Francisco

By Roger Williams


There are so many martial arts that are highly popular today. Although some are more popular than others, most of them base their philosophy on similar things, and include not only physical training but also the unity of body and mind. This spiritual part of these Eastern techniques make them especially interesting in the Western world.

All Eastern martial arts require training as well as balanced mind and body and you will benefit whichever you choose. Even so, if you find out more about the philosophy practiced in Aikido Dojo San Francisco, you might fall in love in this particular martial art instantly. This one really deserves your attention, and for a good reason.

The word Aikido is actually made using three different words. 'Ai' means harmony, 'ki' stands for energy, but also spirit, while 'do' stands for path, in other words, a way. So, the word can be translated as the harmonious and spiritual path, or the way of the spirit and harmony. High ideals, elegant outlook and highly efficient defense techniques, and this is only the beginning.

This is, actually, the youngest of the traditional Japanese martial arts. It was founded by The Great Teacher, or O-Sensei, Morihel Ueshiba. He was an expert in various other traditional Japanese discipline, staring with Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Sojitsu. But, he was also really interested in religion and spiritual part of the training.

O-Sensei's flawless technique proved to be more powerful than mere strength, and his legacy of non-violence made him not only popular, but also highly appreciated. His methods are based on defense without harming your attacker, and his philosophy is based on harmonizing your movements with the movements of the universe.

That's why this technique is just perfect for anyone, regardless of age or any other factors. And it brings, beside of a great ability of defending yourself, also many other benefits for your health, body and mind. It improves general and cardiovascular health, concentration, flexibility, physical strength and your general balance, to start with.

And another thing. This type of balanced training have a great impact on your self-confidence, conditioning your mind, body and spirit, and, as a result, you will start feeling better in your own skin, finding your own life path. If you are primarily interested in building strength and fighting with others, this might not be something for you.

If you compare Aikido with other martial arts, the first thing you may notice is that the main goal is to defend yourself without causing injuries to your attacker. The movements are circular, and, since most attacks are basically linear, this techniques kind of harmonizes with these attacks, using arm pins and wrist locks, for example, to unbalance the attacker, avoiding direct confrontation.

Well, Aikido is certainly the true Budo. This extraordinary martial art unites Samurai battle tactics, ancient Japanese martial arts techniques and harmonizing your body and mind. O-Sensei said the secret is in harmonizing with the universe. He also said that the real victory is the one over oneself, and this is probably the main principle of his philosophy.




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