The Japanese martial art of Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba or the Osensei. It was through his experiences in the Russo-Japanese War that influenced him to change the traditional way of code and honor called Bushido (the way of the warrior) to a more peaceful way called Budo (the martial way) by incorporating religious and philosophical beliefs. His mastering of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu from Sokaku Takeda help form the basis for Aikido.
Aikido literally translated, Ai – Harmony, Ki – Spirit or Energy, Do – The Way.
Purpose of Aikido is to gain victory over one’s self in Japanese it is called “masakatsu”, through self examination by training and learning the different aspects of Aikido, one’s true self is revealed. Then a person must overcome one’s physical and mental self allowing them to achieve one’s purpose in life.
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido
It was founded by Koichi Tohei Sensei, who was the chief instructor under Master Morihei Ueshiba Sensei. In 1971 Tohei Sensei left Aikikai and founded the Ki no Kenkyukai (Ki Society) to teach the principles of Ki, incorporating it with aikido. This unification of Ki and Aikido, he called it Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, mind and body coordinated aikido.
Today, his teachings are carried on by his son Shinichi Tohei Sensei who uses the term “connection” when referring to mind and body coordinated. Shinichi Tohei Sensei has taught Ki to many people including business people, executives, and educators. He has also, taught Ki Principles to the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball team.
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido is not only taught in the United States but all over the world with dojos in many countries. It is a non-fighting martial art discipline using the mind and body in a unified manner, it is possible to maximize the human potential. Based on the essential Ki principle which is “Mind moves Body,” we learn “how to maximize the ability that people naturally have”, and ” how to respect and lead others.” These are the fundamentals that can be applied to everything in daily life.
Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (Ki-Aikido) is a non-fighting martial art discipline by using the mind and body in a unified manner, it is possible to maximize the human potential. Based on the essential Ki principle which is “Mind moves Body,” we learn “how to maximize the ability that people naturally have”, and “how to respect and lead others.” These are the fundamentals that can be applied to everything in daily life.