What is Aikido
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art consisting of techniques to redirect attacks, immobilisations, and throws. It means "The way of harmony with the universe".
Re-directions
A typical scenario in Aikido is to meet and redirect an attack, leading it to a safe conclusion.
We teach you how to let yourself down to the floor safely.
Weapons
We also teach techniques against weapon attacks, once a student has gained the basic techniques.
Throws
Many Aikido techniques involve throwing the attacker to the floor, using the attacker's own momentum.
As an attacker, we teach you how to roll, so that you can control the power and you don't injure yourself or others.
During throws in the dojo, the attacker rolls on the ground, instead of hitting the ground hard
A typical Aikido redirection of the attack
Immobilisations
After leading an attack to the floor, we sometimes immobilise the attacker, to prevent them from re-attacking. Typically we stretch the attacker's limb or joint until they submit, or apply a nerve hold. When done in the dojo, this is a healthy, beneficial stretch for the attacker, and they signify to the defender when to stop.
Two immobilisation techniques used in Aikido
