What is Aikido?

Annie

Reading — Intermediate Level
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Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying (with) life energy"or as "the way of harmonious spirit".

Aikido's techniques include: irimi (entering), and tenkan (turning) movements (that redirect the opponent's attack momentum), various types of throws and joint locks.

Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of jiu jitsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Omoto-kyo religion - which promotes the importance of harmony among nature, humans, and gods.

Ueshiba's senior students have different approaches to aikido, depending partly on when they studied with him. Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques formulated by Ueshiba and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker.
Source: Wikipedia
  1. An important element of aikido that differentiates it from other martial arts is the   .
  2. Different forms of aikido are practiced by students depending   .
  3. Why did Ueshiba begin to distance himself from jiu jitsu?
  4. Where can we find practitioners of aikido?
  5. Is there a right way to practice aikido?
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Discussion

Practice your writing skills by discussing the questions below

  1. Are you familiar with aikido? After learning about it, what are your thoughts?
  2. Have you ever participated or learned a martial art? If not, would you like to?
  3. Why do you think practicing a martial art would be useful?
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