Aikido
Aikido can be translated as the "way of harmonizing energy," but can also be interpreted as a "way to harmonize with the life force of the universe," and is a martial art that meets contemporary needs. Originated by Morihei Ueshiba in Japan in 1925, Aikido is a path toward spiritual and physical cultivation. Aikido is practiced with a partner, with the goal of mutual development. There are no competitive contests in Aikido, and the philosophy that governs the art focuses not on destruction of an opponent nor mutual destruction. Instead, Aikido chooses mutual victory and victory over the self.
In practice, one person takes on the role of uke, the person who delivers the attack, and the other is nage, the defender, who must blend with the attack and redirect its energy. Aikido emphasizes spherical body movements characterized by flowing, dance-like motions, while maintaining a stable center. For practice to be effective, uke must provide a sincere and energetic attack, which can then be connected to and manipulated by nage. Timing, breath control, body positioning and posture allow for this connection. Movements usually end with the unbalancing of uke into a throw or pin, without the use of brute strength.
Learning how to fall or roll away safely from a throw is essential. As a result, both uke and nage develop agility of body and mind, through physical conditioning and an acute awareness of surroundings and safety. By not relying on strength, the art is accessible to people regardless of gender, age and size, and can be practiced throughout most of one's life. It also imparts self-discipline, etiquette and mutual respect for one’s training partners. Although movements are not aggressive or combative in nature, an experienced practitioner can redirect a force back onto the attacker in a very real and effective way.
There are numerous sources on Aikido available through the Web, print publications and video. Given the large body of material of various degrees of accuracy, interpretation and reliability, we suggest persons who wish to find out more information about Aikido first go to the Aikikai Foundation web site.
Aikido of Honolulu
Aikido of Honolulu is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Japanese martial art of Aikido through instruction and training, and is affiliated with Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the Aikido World Headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan. Classes are held seven days a week, with separate classes for adults and minors. All instructors are from the local community and serve on a volunteer basis. They hold full-time jobs in a variety of fields. Since our instructors do not receive any compensation, Aikido of Honolulu has been able to maintain low membership fees. Revenues from fees go toward facilities maintenance and dojo-sponsored Aikido-related activities.
Waialae Dojo
Aikido was introduced to Hawaii in 1953, and practices were held in a variety of spaces including gymnasiums and parking lots. The current structure that houses Aikido of Honolulu, officially referred to as the "Honolulu Aiki Dojo," but often called the "Waialae Dojo" (for the busy avenue it sits on), was the first Aikido dojo constructed outside of Japan and represents a significant hallmark in Aikido history. Located in the Kaimuki district of the city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, the dojo resides on land purchased for the express purpose of building an Aikido dojo. Its acquisition and subsequent construction were the result of the dedication of Aikido practitioners in Hawaii.
The groundbreaking commenced in the summer of 1960 and the entire structure was completed by 1961. Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido, came to Honolulu to preside at the official grand opening of the new dojo on March 12, 1961. it would be his only trip outside of Japan for the purpose of Aikido. The Waialae Dojo was unique for that time because it was dedicated only to Aikido training, which made it the only building of its kind outside of Japan that O-Sensei would ever visit.
Over the years, the Waialae Dojo has welcomed thousands of new members through its doors. Students who practice at the dojo are as diverse as the community it serves. Men, women and children of all ages and ethnicities come from the local, national and international community to train at this particular dojo.
Aikikai
Aikido of Honolulu is directly affiliated with Aikido World Headquarters (Hombu), Aikikai Foundation, located in Tokyo, Japan. The current head of the Aikikai Foundation is Moriteru Ueshiba, third generation doshu and grandson of the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. According to the Hombu website, the Aikikai Foundation was officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, and is the parent organization for the development and popularization of Aikido throughout the world.
