Ki-Aikido is perhaps the most modern form of Japanese Budo (martial way), having been developed during the first half of this century by Morihei Ueshiba, otherwise referred to as O Sensei, the great teacher. Judo, Karate-Do, Kyudo (archery) and Kendo (swordsmanship) are other examples of Budo. Properly understood, all are disciplines that use martial training as a means of character development. The word Do , common in the names of several martial arts, is the Japanese translation of the Chinese word Tao, or way. Literally, Budo means the martial way of life.
The true purpose of Aikido as viewed by the eyes and ears of Ki Society International and here at the Arizona Aikido Ki Society, is the refinement of the individual, a purpose that transcends cultural boundaries and technological advancement. Science and technology is expanding at an ever increasing rate. While I am in favor of these strides towards the future, it is most important to remember the human and spiritual side of our nature. Ki-Aikido is a martial way whereby the student develops a strong body and a mind free from contentious thoughts.
Following the way of harmonious spiritual energy, Ki-Aikido is a discipline of coordination of mind and body. Often referred to as the most subtle and sophisticated of the martial arts, it is effective through the extension of mental energy or Ki. Differing from other martial arts, it does not rely on strength and indeed the older you get, the more powerful you become.
Although we speak of personal refinement and improvement of the character, this does not mean that Ki-Aikido is an esoteric, purely mental exercise. Ki-Aikido is in part a physical process with a spiritual result. When we practice the Aikido arts, the workout is strenuous but not violent; demanding but not rough. We never meet force with force, rather we blend and harmonize with the attacker's force and lead him/her down. Although the need for physical defense is rare, Ki-Aikido enables any individual, regardless of age or sex, to be effective. Moreover, Ki-Aikido is an excellent form of self defense that makes protection possible without the necessity of inflicting serious injury upon an aggressor.
The Arizona Aikido Ki Society is a member dojo in good standing with Ki Society International and as such, we follow the teaching and philosophy of its founder, Koichi Tohei Sensei. He established the society in 1971, two years after O'Sensei's death, to teach Ki Development. In 1974, Tohei Sensei established ShinShin Toitsu Aikido (Aikido with Mind and Body Coordinated).
At the Arizona Aikido Ki Society, there is an atmosphere of respect and happiness. My personal philosophy is that all learning, not just martial arts, should be relaxed and enjoyable. This is not to say we have no discipline at the dojo. We have developed an atmosphere where students help each other to grow and develop and to honor protocol and customs taught throughout generations, as well as learning the arts and philosophy of Ki-Aikido.
The martial art you have chosen to study is private by nature. Advancement is attained over time through oftentimes vigorous physical practice combined with the psychological and spiritual teachings of Ki development, defined as the life force of the universe. Practicing Ki facilitates our responsibility to family, friends and society in general.
In addition to daily practice, we frequently enjoy distinguished guest instructors from around the world. This exposes the student to a variety of teaching methods and offers the benefits of the best instruction available.
Applied Ki-Aikido arts are the means to an end, not the end in themselves. Simply stated, the goal for which students strive is to live a positive life by working together and helping one another grow.
Kirk Fowler/Chief Instructor
