1) Ki and Aikido
The word Aikido means the “way to unite with Ki” (氣). Ki is a vital energy filled in the universe, which gives birth to and fosters every creature on the earth. Therefore, each and every one of us naturally inherits a portion of this universal energy “氣” from our birth. It is up to us to decide how to use that vital energy – whether in a positive way or in a negative way. If we utilize it in a positive way, it lets us take the path that leads to respecting and cherishing each other. On the other hand, if we use it in a negative way, it lets us take the opposite path leading to denying not only ourselves but also other people.
Aikido was developed in the early twentieth century as an art of self-defense utilizing Ki through physical and spiritual training. Practicing Aikido is one of the most effective ways to know how to use our Ki in a positive manner and guide our future to the right path.
2) Shushinkan-Aikido （秀心館合氣道）
As to an ancient view, the best victory is not achieved by fighting and defeating opponents, but by abandoning a fighting mind and transcending the dichotomy between winning and losing.
Shushinkan-Aikido is an art of training oneselves, cultivating the ability to avoid needless fights, find positive sides of things and see them open-mindedly. In order to perform our techniques well, physical strength is not essential; the most important thing is to know how to use our body and Ki effectively to protect ourselves – that is to know how to control the opponent’s fighting mind by respecting and leading his/her Ki .
In Shushinkan-Aikido, we provide for anyone such opportunities to learn this way of self-protection.
3) Aikido and More
In Shushinkan Aikido, especially in the advanced classes, we are pursuing and developing practical aspects of Aikido – simulating situations under which we have to cope with an opponent bearing a weapon or delivering a sequential attack – by borrowing techniques such as “Atemi” from other traditional (ancient) martial arts (Kobudo). We utilize the skills to advance our abilities to effectively forestall, fend off attacks from opponents and discourage them against keep attacking.
4) Free Trial Lessons
We offer Aikido classes for children, students, adults, seniors – for people who want to stay in shape, learn self-defense skills, or master Aikido techniques. Trial lessons in English are available as follows:
- For children in 6th grade and under: Saturday at 4:00 p.m. (in Tsukushino Dojo)
- For adults and students in 7th grade and above: Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (in Yanokuchi Dojo)
