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"Aikido is non-resistance. As it is non-resistant, it is always victorious." - Morihei Uyeshiba

Morihei Uyeshiba, the founder of Aikido, was an unusually gifted and fervent student of the martial arts. He was a master of the sword and other weapons who augmented his physical training with religious studies. After decades of training, Uyeshiba realized that the ultimate martial art makes it possible for neither defender no attacker to be hurt. He began developing the techniques that became Aikido, an art so effective that even in his eighties, Uyeshiba was uncannily untouchable.

Aikido is often called the "non-violent" martial art, which initially seems to be a contradiction in terms. However, the remarkable strategy of this defense system enables the person who is attacked to control an opponent without using a comparable agression. Not only is this an appealing philosophy, but it permits Aikido to be learned and enjoyed by women, men and children of all sizes and ages.

"We ceaselessly pray that fights should not occur. For this reason we strictly prohibit matches in Aikido." - Uyeshiba

In the dojo, which is the Japanese name for the practice area, classes are marked by mutual respect and positive encouragement.

The first skills newcomers are taught are the easy falls and rolls that enable Aikidoists to practice without injury. But all students are welcome at all times, and usually there is a mix of beginning and advanced students. Senior students make a point of working with junior students so that each will learn.

"In Aikido we control the opponent's mind before we face him.... When he attacks, he will injure himself with his own intention." - Uyeshiba

The physical skills of Aikido include entering, blocking or avoidance movements, followed by throws or holds. After the opponent is on the ground, he is pinned. The system works because each person's power is optimally utilized to lead the opponent in circles. The opponent essentially throws himself.

For example, consider a person who is throwing a punch at your stomach. That person has a forward momentum, and his body is being led forward by the striking hand. In Aikido, you would not punch back or try to stop that hand. Instead, you would step to the side and let the hand rush by you. Then, since the attacker is off balance because the punch missed, you are in an excellent position to use his momentum to throw him.

Because Aikido does not rely on directly confronting strength with strenth, and does emphasize skilled maneuvering, it enables a small person to effectively control a large person. A person with 60 or more years can control a 20-year-old; a less strong or lightweight person can control a stronger, heavier opponent.

"A mind to serve for the peace of all human beings in the world is needed in Aikido, and not the mind of one who wishes to be strong or who practices only to fell an opponent." - Uyeshiba

People often talk about the psychological and philosophical benefits of Aikido: its calming influence, its application in everyday life, its ability to teach perspective. This is a function of learning how to direct one's ki, or internal energy.

These benefits are well documented. However, one does not come to class once and acquire boundless amounts of ki. Rather, it is a gradual learning from regular, consistent training of the physical skills coupled with practice in concentration and a good attitude toward training partners. The ability to control one's mind along with one's body is the secret of the powerful art of Aikido.

Sunset Cliffs Aikido is home for Iwama-style Aikido as taught by Sensei Morihiro Saito, a student of founder Uyeshiba for 23 years. Saito Sensei was present as Aikido was being developed and still actively teaches at the dojo established by the founder in Iwama, Japan, where he also tends the Aiki Shrine.

As students of Saito Sensei, we endeavor to preserve the traditional Aikido techniques originated by Uyeshiba.

Senior Instructor Bernice Tom began studying Aikido in 1974. She has been an instructor for over twenty years and has studied in northern California and in Japan, where she lived for five years, spending 3 1/2 of those years in Iwama, studying Aikido with Morihiro Saito Sensei. She is one of the few to hold the fifth level scroll as a teacher of Aiki-ken and Aiki-jo, the wood sword and staff practice.

She received her sixth-degree black belt from Saito Sensei in January, 1998.

Sunset Cliffs Aikido is a full-time dojo that provides students with excellent instruction and a comfortable facility.

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Saturday, June 15, 2002