Brisbane Aikido, much more than a sport

Aikido is a purely defensive art, involving no kicking or punching per se. Instead a skilled aikidoka redirects an opponents ki(momentum/force/intent) to throw or immobilise them. All techniques are learned with a partner in a noncompetative environment. in the Figure (left) have a look at someone('Nage'-the thrower) performing Munetsuki kotegaeshi - a wrist turn on a punch. In this case 'Nage' holds on causing 'Uke'-the attacker to breakfall. Taninzugake(freestyle) training with several partners is often practiced as well. Bokken(wooden sword) and Jo (staff) are often used as training aids to help understand the principles of aikido.

Whilst many of the traditional martial arts today are practiced as olympic sports, aikido has no tradition of competative sport practice. It is felt that the focus on sporting aspects limits the study of the art and competative training can sometimes hinder progress.

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