The Aikido School of EXCELLENCE
What Is Aikido?
What is Aikido
Yuishinkai?
About the founder
WHAT THE GREAT LEARNING teaches, is to illustrate illustrious virtue; to renovate the people; and to rest in the highest excellence. The Great learning is one of the four books of Confucius. O,Sensei Morihei Ueshiba created Aikido, the martial way of virtue to help mankind to discover the true meaning of the Martial way (BUDO). The school has been named The School of Excellence in respect of the great teachings of the founder, and Great Sages such as Confucius and Lao Tzu who taught of the true Tao (Way or “do” in Aiki-do).
The philosophy of the school is a strong focus on basic training and repetition of basic movement. Through repetition of technique one undergoes the forging transformation necessary for Physical, mental and Spiritual growth, this is called TANREN in Japanese.
Linked to TANREN is the founder teaching on TAKEMUSU AIKI , the power of Tireless Diligence, it is from this tireless diligence that all the techniques of true Aikido are born. Through hard work true aiki can be found.
With these teachings in mind we turn to the Philosophy of true Martial Training. O’Sensei taught that if Aikido were to loose its Martial focus it would loose its spiritual purpose as well. At the Aikido school of Excellence we focus on giving our partner true attack with a focus on the reality of the situation at hand and the many variables that this entails. We believe that Ki - Ai ( Focused sounds - Yelling!) and the use of Atemi (Striking) in technique to help foster the forging process.
Technique is based on the Japanese Sword and the study of the sword and its movement and relevance is an integral part of mastering technique and body movement. We believe that good practice is safe practice and work tirelessly to improve upon our Ukemi (Rolling or Falling) and the relationship between Uke(The person being thrown) and Nage(The person executing the technique.) As your training partner lends you their body to learn, the greatest respect must be given to them at all times.
The School likes to foster the spirit of no competition or no ego , as the founder taught that “True victory is self victory” ( Masakatsu Agatsu). This means that in all actions we seek the Excellence that exists within ourselves to pursue the way of Budo in this age of tireless conflict.
Last but not least the school is a place to relax and enjoy your training. A smile and a laugh are often heard to echo throughout the dojo as people laugh at themselves and let go the worries and cares that can creep up on them in their daily life outside the Dojo.
A Zen Parable said
“If you continue this simple practice every day, you will attain some wonderful power. Before you obtain it, it is something wonderful, but after you attain it, it is nothing special.”