| Aikido is a development of Jiu jitsu, in particular, the | | | | |
| Diato-ryu Aiki-jujitsu school. It bears many similarities | | | | Even though it’s typically a weaponless form of |
| to Jiu jitsu in style, but it diverges from it | | | | combat, much of aikido’s technical form was |
| philosophically. The core difference is that aikido | | | | influenced by swordsmanship, with elements of spear |
| seeks conflict resolution where neither the attacker | | | | and short staff combat. In fact, the latter two |
| nor the attacked are harmed in any real way. | | | | weapons are often included in Aikido training. |
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| Like Jiu jitsu and many of its other offshoots, Aikido | | | | There are many elements of Aikido that can be |
| uses joint locks and throwing techniques to subdue | | | | useful to self defense. Many modern self defense |
| an opponent. Unlike the other styles, Aikido strives to | | | | styles, such as CPI (Crisis Prevention and |
| achieve this without harming the attacker. This | | | | Intervention), implement some of its techniques. This |
| philosophy was introduced when its founder, Morihei | | | | is particularly useful from a legal standpoint. Some |
| Ueshiba, became involved in the ?moto-ky? religion, a | | | | professions, such as caretakers for the mentally |
| neo-Shinto practice with the goal of universal peace. | | | | unstable, require such non-aggressive forms of self |
| | | | | defense. |
| The word, Aikido, means “the way of joining | | | | |
| spirit.” The essential style is of evasion and | | | | While the technical aspects of Aikido don’t |
| observing the opponent, initially. Once you have | | | | require much athletic prowess, proficiency requires |
| determined their essential intent and flow of motions, | | | | many hours of practice. Additionally, while you may |
| you can blend your own actions with theirs, and then | | | | temporarily subdue an attacker, you might be left |
| use the force of their attacks against them, by | | | | vulnerable to another attacker, and once released, |
| tripping, throwing, pinning or using joint locks to put | | | | your subdued attacker may make another assault. In |
| them in a helpless or disadvantageous position. This | | | | real world combat, it’s best to take them down |
| requires minimal effort on the part of the attacked. | | | | in such a way that they stay there. |