Aikido was founded by Master Morihei Ueshiba in 1931.  Although it is a relatively new martial art its origins can be traced back through Japanese History.  Aikido is a unique art created by a unique individual.  Ueshiba was brought up as a pacifist and developed a martial art that was not in conflict with this philosophy. 

 

It is difficult to imagine a martial art (meaning the “art of fighting”) that is harmonious by nature.  However the events in Ueshiba’s life lead him to create such an art.  The principle behind Aikido was very simple.  If someone attacks you, you do not view this as aggression towards you but instead you observe discord with the harmony of the universe. Your role is not to defeat the attacker but to bring them back into harmony.

 

This is an easy statement to make but how do you defend yourself against an attack using harmony?  Ueshiba achieved this by refining techniques which re-direct the energy of the attack and use it to lead the attacker to the point where they are no longer a threat.  This seems an incredible claim and one that has to be seen to be believed!

 

World wide, Aikido (meaning the way of harmony of spirit) has attracted people who are not aggressive by nature and wish to be able to defend themselves without becoming aggressive.  In addition since you are using the attackers strength against them you do not need to use your own strength. This means that you do not have to be physically strong to successfully defend yourself.  Of course physical fitness on the other hand is always an advantage as it allows you to think faster and move more smoothly.

 

There is a strong link between the principals of harmony and the physical Aikido techniques.  This has seen the Aikido techniques frequently used by teachers of conflict resolution to give physical expression to the basic concepts behind the resolution of all types of conflict. 

 

Come along and experience a different way of looking at conflict and learn a practical form of self defence at the same time.

 

Day:             Monday

 

Time:            5:30 to 7:00 pm

 

Cost:             Mat fee of $3 a session

                     Membership is $40 per year

                      ($25 for students)

           

Dress:              Loose fitting clothes with long

                        pants such as a track suit is ideal

                        (bare feet and no jewellery)

 

Fitness:          Although fitness is an advantage as

                       with all physical activities a lack of

                       fitness will not prevent you from

                       learning (and enjoying!) Aikido.

 

Instructor:       Bruce Stack, Fuji Ryu Aikido Federation of Australasia (http://fujiryuaikido.tk/)

 

Participants:   This class is available to all females

                         and males over 16 years of age.

 

Phone:      6223 8669 

Email:       clarence_aikido@dougemac.com

Come to:   Clarence Police and Citizens Youth Club, 10 Scott St,  Bellerive  Tasmania 7018

 

Last update: 12 May 2005