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 The Japanese word Aikido is written in three characters which roughly translate as, "The Way of Harmony with the Universe." Or to break it down, Aikido, the way (do) of blending with (ai) energy or spirit (ki). By using throws and immobilizing holds, an aikido student redirects and neutralizes the force of the opponent's attack. Aikido's circular movements do not rely on strength, making it practical for women, men, and children of all sizes and abilities. Its graceful and flowing techniques provide a unique alternative to martial arts that rely on offensive strikes and kicks. Aikido is a true budo, or Martial Way; evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, Aikido is more than a science of tactics and self-defense; it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.
 Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O Sensei (Great Teacher) to more than one million students of Aikido throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. But O Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.
Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, he struggled with this dilemma. It was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, Ueshiba's technical mastery evolved into a martial art of refinement and astonishing power, fundamentally different from those that preceded it.
 "The secret of Aikido," he wrote, "is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself." O Sensei maintained that budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bring peace to the world, "to make the heart of the universe one's own heart."
There have always been visionaries of remarkable insight, but O Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it."
From: "About Aikido", US Aikido Federation.
Kenji Tomiki
 Kenji Tomiki was born on March 15, 1900. He comes from a family of landowners. At the age of 10 he began studying judo. Later, in Tokyo, Japan, he became a member of Waseda University Judo Club and student of judo founder Jigoro Kano. He eventually graduated with a Political Science degree at Waseda University.
The summer of 1926, was when Kenji Tomiki first trained under Morihei Ueshiba. In 1928, he was awarded, in judo, a 5th dan by the Kodokan. He then entered the Tenranjiai Imperial tournament in May 1929 as a representative of Miyagi Prefecture.
Tomiki moved to Manchuria to become an instructor at Daido Gakuin in March 1936 through an introduction provided by Ueshiba. Later, while in Manchuria, he became an instructor at Kenkoku Universtiy which opened in the spring of 1938 and headed the Aikibudo program, which was a regular part of the curriculum. This was with the assistance of Hideo Ohba.
 Kenji Tomiki was the first student to earn an 8th dan in Aikido by Morihei Ueshiba, on February 11, 1940.He established the Waseda University Aikido Club in April of 1958. Tomiki was awarded an 8th dan in judo by the Kodokan in 1964. He was also a member of the teaching staff of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo through the late 1950s.
Tomiki developed “Tomiki Aikido” which included competition; this was patterned after the ideas of Jigoro Kano, in the creation of judo. He was a professor in the Physical Education Department of Waseda University from its inception in 1954.
mas_tomiki_lrg.jpgHe authored numerous studies and books on Aikido, Judo and self-defense. Tomiki was the first Chairman of the Japan Aikido Association (JAA), an organization founded in 1974 to administer Tomiki Aikido and a member of the Board of Directors of the Kodokan. On December 25, 1979 Kenji Tomiki pass away.
Summarized From: http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia.php |
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