History of Aikido

Aikido is a scientific form of self-defence created over fifty years ago by Master M.

Uyeshiba, who is still practising at the age of eighty-six at the world centre of the fighting art –

the Aikikai, Tokyo, Japan. Aikido was a secret known only to a relatively few privileged

Japanese up until as recently as 1948. The requirements to gain entrance into the inner chambers

of the Aikido gymnasium and to learn Aikido’s art and philosophy were many including at least

two recommendations from well-known, respected citizens of Japan.

Aikido is a combination of many martial arts including ju-jitsu, Kendo and Karate. Most

Budo (military arts) originated from a kind of physical fitness programme, developed into selfdefence

arts and then on to refined Budo.

A physical fitness programme may be compared to preventive medicine programmes and

prophylactics. If we move our body adequately and if the movement agrees with the ‘natural

laws’, we still have a well-conditioned body and will not be affected so easily by disease. When

we consider various physical fitness programmes we will soon discover the ideal of Aikido. The

flowing flexibility and the importance of a stable balance agree with the ‘laws of nature’. The aim

of Aikidoists is complete self-control. When we have self-control, we have a posture which is

completely alert. By exercising our whole body we approach improved health.

In Aikido, the techniques related to each part of the body are necessarily related to the

whole. There are no radical techniques which use strength suddenly or immediately cease using

power. Here lies the secret of Aikido in keeping a healthy body. The exercise of the body in this

way will lead to better health. History of Aikido

Aikido is a scientific form of self-defence created over fifty years ago by Master M.

Uyeshiba, who is still practising at the age of eighty-six

The movement of Aikido is natural and is without the physical strain demanded by other

combat arts. Aikido provides tremendous range movement on the study of balance, posture and

most important – relaxation. For this reason Aikido can be practised by members of either sex,

young or old, while it is also a most effective form of self-defence. Aikido has a particular appeal

to most people for the way that it builds a mind which you can adapt to everyday life.

The Art was first introduced in any big way into Great Britain by my teacher Kenshiro

Abbe (8th Dan) in 1955. I was one his first pupils. At that time Judo was very popular and so

people were not interested in the ‘new art’. The Aikido training was also found by beginners to

be extremely severe and this put off many beginners.

The art received stimulus by the visit to this country of Mr

Tadashi Abbe (7th Dan). In 1963, Mr M. Nakazono (7th Dan) came to England and was asked

to supervise Aikido in this country.  It is therefore only comparatively recently that Aikido has spread in this country and it is now being taught in schools for the Education Authorities.