00:00 Aikido is unique among martial arts.
00:18 It contains no techniques for attacking.
00:23 Instead you learn to counter any incoming attack calmly and swiftly.
00:29 So why doesn't Aikido have attacking moves?
00:34 To understand this we have to go back to the philosophy of Aikido's founder, Ueshiba Morihei.
00:50 Ueshiba was a highly skilled martial artist who studied many fighting systems in his youth.
00:58 His deep understanding of the spirit of martial arts led him to develop a unique philosophy,
01:03 realizing that the ultimate goal is not to conquer opponents but rather to hone one's
01:07 own character, he created the system he called Aikido.
01:15 Aikido techniques are very logical based on how the human body works.
01:24 Techniques are circular and continuous, always maintaining balance and posture.
01:30 This lets you move very swiftly.
01:37 In this technique for example, as he diverts the attack he circles behind his opponent.
01:45 Next by adding his strength in the direction of his opponent's force, he breaks his balance
01:51 and makes him fall.
01:59 Ueshiba always stressed that the essence of Aikido was to suppress the desire to attack,
02:04 instead harmonizing your ki or spirit with your opponent.
02:12 Although he was creating a martial art, so his techniques are designed for controlling
02:18 an opponent.
02:21 From the very beginning, Ueshiba Morihei focused his training on developing character and spirit.
02:26 Through constant practice he learned to harmonize his spirit with that of his opponent.
02:32 Ueshiba's essential concept was to become one with the other, an approach that's fundamentally
02:37 based in love rather than in a spirit of conflict.
02:44 Aikido is unique among the world's fighting arts for this emphasis on suppressing your
02:48 own aggressive feelings, and instead becoming one with your opponent.
02:55 This is a martial art that's accessible to all, whether you're female or male, young
03:00 or old.
03:05 Since the aim isn't to win, Aikido doesn't have competitions or contests.
03:13 Since Aikido effectively develops both concentration and cooperation, it has great appeal in education,
03:19 and many primary schools have begun including it in their curriculum.
03:27 Injuries are fairly rare in Aikido.
03:31 The training develops good balance, using both sides of the body equally.
03:36 It nurtures both a cooperative spirit and a sense of fair play.
03:41 And then, of course, since this is a martial art, continued practice gives the ability
03:46 to deliver a very effective kind of explosive power.
03:51 A martial art that aims to subdue attackers without injuring them.
03:57 This is a philosophy with universal appeal, gaining Aikido followers in every corner of
04:03 the globe.
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