Aikido is a profound physical, mental, and spiritual discipline of personal and global transformation. Its teachings are based on the practical application of spiritual wisdom as taught by Aikido’s founder, Ueshiba Morihei O Sensei (1883-1969). Ueshiba Sensei taught that the essence of Aikido is the loving protection of all beings. He believed in the oneness of all creation, that all beings are born from Kami (spirit). And that we are each responsible for our collective destiny. His teachings emphasize positive tools to transform the negative effects of hatred and violence through the power of love and compassion. Ueshiba O Sensei was a man of extraordinary love and compassion who created Aikido as a vehicle to awaken humanity to its true nature, which is love.
	The Practice of Aikido on a physical level involves the practical application of martial techniques by the nage (thrower) to lead uke (attacker) to the ground or into a throw. During practice, both nage and uke learn how to gracefully handle high levels of physical and energetic intensity without losing his or her physical and spiritual center. Although Aikido can be utilized as a dynamic method of personal protection, this aim is considered a by-product of sincere long-term practice and not its primary purpose. Aikido no Kaiso (founder) was very clear that Aikido should be practiced as a way to become one with the Divine. Therefore, a practitioner of Aikido should refrain from indulging in the ego’s desire to struggle, fight, or compete with the other, for this leads to greater separation and away from unification. Aikido is practiced in a joyful and vibrant manner so as to create a positive environment for individuals to celebrate their connection with Kami (God/Spirit).
	Kihon Waza and Ki No Negare Kihon Waza is the base or fundamental practice of Aikido technique as a means to coordinate and unify the body, mind, and spirit. Just as a master of Japanese calligraphy must spend countless hours perfecting basic brush strokes, so too must an Aikidoist invest a similar effort in mastering basic hand and footwork. When one has removed the inner and outer obstructions to performing effortless technique, Kihon Waza evolves into Ki No Negare (flowing nature of ki). At this high level of Aikido practice, the nage allows the dynamic flow of Ki emanating from his spiritual center to be fully expressed through the physical technique. This sublime expression of Ki embodies and reveals the true spirit of Aiki which is the unifying force of love that binds and sustains the universe.
2417 21st Street Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 456-5641 mfluty@theaikidocenter.com