Visit Aikido Dojo San Francisco

All popular traditional martial arts are focused both on harmonizing your body and your mind, some more than others. General self-improvement, physical and mental strength and efficient fighting techniques. This spiritual moment is especially interesting, and makes these techniques so popular in the western world.

They require balanced mind and dedication, as well as strength and trainings, and offer a wide range of self-improvements you can only benefit from. Among other popular martial arts, one is especially interesting. If you visit one Aikido Dojo San Francisco center, you may find out more about it and understand why it deserves a special attention.

The word Aikido is actually made using three different words. 'Ai' means harmony, 'ki' stands for energy, but also spirit, while 'do' stands for path, in other words, a way. So, the word can be translated as the harmonious and spiritual path, or the way of the spirit and harmony. High ideals, elegant outlook and highly efficient defense techniques, and this is only the beginning.

This is, actually, the youngest of the traditional Japanese martial arts. It was founded by The Great Teacher, or O-Sensei, Morihel Ueshiba. He was an expert in various other traditional Japanese discipline, staring with Jujitsu, Kenjutsu and Sojitsu. But, he was also really interested in religion and spiritual part of the training.

Great Teacher had a flawless technique, as well as really amazing physical strength, and this combination allowed him to defend himself virtually without touching his attackers. He based his technique on harmonizing movements with the movements of the universe, achieving the unity of his body and mind, and without causing harm to others.

That's why this technique is just perfect for anyone, regardless of age or any other factors. And it brings, beside of a great ability of defending yourself, also many other benefits for your health, body and mind. It improves general and cardiovascular health, concentration, flexibility, physical strength and your general balance, to start with.

And another thing. This type of balanced training have a great impact on your self-confidence, conditioning your mind, body and spirit, and, as a result, you will start feeling better in your own skin, finding your own life path. If you are primarily interested in building strength and fighting with others, this might not be something for you.

So, the point is in defending yourself efficiently, but without seriously harming your attacker. Everything is based on circular movements, and since most attacks are linear, this is the way of using different techniques, such as arm pins or maybe wrist locks, in order of making your attacker helpless, and avoiding any direct confrontation at the same time. The point is to unbalance the attacker.

Aikido is a true Budo. This means that it is a martial art based on traditional Japanese warrior arts, on ancient Samurai battle tactics, but dedicated to perfecting the spirit. O-Sensei used to say that the secret is in harmonizing your movements with the movements of the Universe. His Mahatsu Agatsu statement states that the true victory is the victory over oneself.