Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded in the middle of the last century by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O’Sensei. Throws and holding techniques are practiced defensively and without a competitive character. You learn to ward off an attack effectively and effortlessly, while maintaining the integrity of the attacker as much as possible. Aikido is more than an art of movement, the principles affect all areas of life and open the way for non-violent conflict management. Because no special strength or fitness is required to perform the techniques, aikido is suitable for children and adults of all ages. Regular, attentive training leads to increased physical and mental flexibility and energy after a relatively short time.

After World War II, O’Sensei moved from Tokyo to rural Iwama. There, he perfected his techniques and developed a systematic teaching method. His main student and later successor during this time was Morihiro Saito Sensei. Saito Sensei always emphasized that he was teaching Aikido as he had learned it from O’Sensei. We feel connected to this tradition.

The basic principles of traditional aikido are:
 

•     Systematized techniques and learning methods. The focus is on the basic techniques.

•     Bukiwaza (weapon techniques) and Taijutsu (empty-hand techniques) form a unit and relate to each other.

•     Aikido is considered a budo (martial art). The attacks are carried out realistically, the techniques have to withstand a real attack.

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To get an impression of traditional Aikido:

Demo by Shihan Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (6th Dan, technical director of Traditional Aikido Europe) at the Aikido Embukai 2009 in Holland. The ukes are Arjan de Haan, Paul Keessen and Richard van Berkum (Takemusu Aikido Kyokai Nederland).