Aikido philosophy

Aikido philosophy explained

'Aikido is not an art to fight with enemies and defeat them. It is a way to lead all human beings to live in harmony with each other as though everyone were one family. The secret of aikido is to make yourself become one with the universe and to go along with its natural movements.'

- Morihei Ueshiba (founder)

Ando envisions doing its bit in this world. By bringing people back to their individuality and inner strength. Connecting these with their life force and the universe, like the Aikido philosophy.

The key lies hidden in the word ai-KI-do. Our strongest force there is is your inner strength (Ki), also known as life energy. In both yoga and Aikido traditions, life energy is the source of our existence. It creates balance and peace in our lives.

Balance in the body is the basis for balance in life. However, the hectic pace of everyday life increasingly unbalances us. And creates a breeding ground where restlessness and overstrain (stress) gets too much space. Stress often the cause of many diseases we face today.

Practising this Aikido philosophy ultimately creates an inner peace that is not disturbed, by the endless tensions and struggles of life. This Japanese martial art is also known as the path of harmony and love, but of course that is easier said than done.

Self-discovery and Transformation

After all, we live in duality, i.e. we are dealing with an Ego. That compares itself to its environment (must be better, prettier etc) and our real 'Being' (core).Ego has been given a big voice in our society, pushing away your own inner voice.We have started living more and more on outer appearances. Desires of others, accepting unhappy situations etc. The trick is to get back to yourself. Getting back in touch with this inner voice and power. Who knows which way you want to go and how you would like to live your life. Regardless of what others expect and think of you. When you are in your own power, you are in connection with yourself and everything around you. Life energy (Ki) can then flow and create. It is an infinite energy that everyone can access.To get there is the first step to start with Aikido training sessions. On the mat, you will have 'an encounter with yourself'. This happens in a loving way. Thus, you will be held up a mirror, while practising Aikido. People react to the projections you emit, reflecting your behaviour. Behaviour that stems from patterns created by thoughts and feelings. By gaining more insight into your own patterns, you can reverse or change them in a physical way. At Ando Aikido, we work in layers. Just like an onion goes deeper and deeper to your core. For this process, you need a mentor, sensei to inspire, motivate and give you an example.

Morihei Ueshiba reading

O'sensei writing kanji

O'sensei teaches Aikido philosophy

Aikido philosophy in everyday life

Aikido is not limited to the dojo; you will notice the difference once you understand the principle. As Wim Slui would say 'You only start seeing it when you get the hang of it'. Sensei Edo and Anne describe it as similar to 'Omdenkenken'. Watch and read more here.

Personal
growth in your own hands

Whatever you want to grow in, with Aikido you will find the way.