The primary reason why I've decided to write an article about Aikido is because there is a stigma around the Martial Art. Hopefully through my personal experience I can help you reconsider. Let's start of with a common misconception about Aikido
First and foremost, the techniques practised during Aikido, work in real life and in other Martial Arts. When looking at Aikido videos it will often seem that the training partner throws him or herself, to make the move look better. During Aikido we do throw ourselves, but that is more so not to get hurt, instead making our partner look good. As an Uke (training partner) you have to learn to apply the right amount of resistance so that the Ste (the one performing the technique) can learn optimally.
Second, I'd like to highlight the benefit of learning to control your center of gravity as well as your ability to project yourself. With my limited Aikido experience, I've noticed the importance of staying centered and projecting oneself forward during most if not all of the techniques performed during class, whether we're talking about a throw, joint lock or strike with the katana. Learning to move as a whole and using not just your arms to move someone but the whole body.
The centering oneself and projecting forward has been monumental for other Martial Art forms I practise like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing. It has allowed me to strike much harder, put on locks much more efficiently and stop my sparring partner from moving during grappling.
The last topic I'd like to discuss is something you might not expect: maintaining eye contact. I've practiced many Martial Arts from the age of 6 onwards, and I've never been taught about eye contact and where you're looking during practice. In fact, I was highly uncomfortable when I started my Aikido practice because of this reason.
Not only has this allowed me to socialize more deeply with friends and acquaintances, it has also vastly improved my Kickboxing as looking downwards messes with your center of gravity. I'm not saying that you have to look someone in the eye, especially not constantly, but Aikido has at least made me aware and given me the choice. It's taught me how to maintain a peripheral view and stay calm under pressure through it.
I will finish of with saying that we, at Eltham Martial Arts Academy, are incredibly fortunate to have the world-renowned Aikido instructor, Joe Thambu from Aikido Shudokan . Go check him out via Joe Thambu - Wikipedia
See you in class soon!
