Aikido Imitates Life

Posted on 2/2/2011 by Charles

Aikido has more than one definition or meaning. One interpretation is the Way of Love. Another is the Way of Harmony. Still another is the Way of Harmonizing (going with the energy given). All of these describe aikido accurately and we find that if we apply our aikido training to life, life really does become more simplistic and less stressful.

Aikido is one of the arts we teach to adult students. Not only is it an effective martial art for self-defense, it is a valuable lesson on how to live life as well. In aikido, you find that if you worry about what attack may come and concentrate on how you'll handle that particular attack, most of the time, you either get hit with the attack or unable to perform the technique you wanted. This is because in aikido, you seek to not concentrate on anything, and react like water to the attack. You flow around an attack and deflect energy turning the entire attack to your advantage.

In everyday life, so many people struggle with problems and obstacles, and are taught to fight their way through. It leaves you feeling tired and stressed. Aikido teaches us to just be in the moment, not to look behind in the past, or ahead in the future. When a problem or obstacle presents itself, be like water and turn that problem or obstacle to its best advantage. This is NOT a bury your head in the sand approach, not seeing problems for what they are, but rather, aikido teaches us to be very aware of our environment and surroundings at all times. It's simply a shift in one's thinking to a problem, reacting to it by not fighting it, and with the expectation of a healthy and positive outcome. It's not so much about winning, as it is about being one with the moment.

If you'd like more information on aikido in the Wake Forest or Raleigh area, feel free to contact Innovative Martial Arts Academy at 919-562-4663.