Top Aikido Schools in Singapore

What is Aikido 

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that comprises many different styles. Aikido was born in the 1920s and its creator is Morihei Ueshiba, who reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese Martial Arts. Aikido is often translated to English to mean “the way of harmonious spirit” or “the way of unifying with life energy”. 

Here are some aikido schools to consider:

Benefits of learning aikido 

Aikido training aims to promote mental and physical training through proficiency in each skill and consistent practice. 

Improves mental health 

While it is obvious that practising aikido yields physical health benefits, aikido also improves mental health. Such mental health benefits include an increase in focus, awareness, and relaxation. People who practise aikido are also more likely to gain greater confidence and self-discipline, which will reflect when dealing with stressful situations in life. People are also more likely to deal with conflicts better when they practise aikido. 

Self-improvement 

During the course of learning aikido, learners also develop their inner power, awareness, and decisiveness gradually. This also opens up to growth and self-improvement, which helps in achieving goals. 

Spiritual health 

People who practise aikido gain spiritual benefits as well. This includes enhanced intuitive understanding of themselves and the world. Learners can see life with more clarity, better perception, and greater focus. When aikido learners shift their perception of life, life becomes more meaningful. 

Greater body awareness 

Practising aikido can let you experience a more confident and more relaxed presence. Aikido also opens up your mind and gives greater awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Greater body awareness is the best benefit associated with aikido and martial arts in general. 

Aikido principles

• The principle of ki 

The principle of ki requires a basic understanding that a universal force or spirit governs everything in the universe. Ki is an energy and life force and the power which brings harmony in the world and among people. When aikido practitioners learn to manage their ki energy, they can get their body and mind into the union. 

• The principle of oneness

The principle of oneness is a fundamental rule within aikido. The principle of oneness signifies the strong awareness of everything and circumstances, as well as an opponent. Aikido practitioners train to become one in every circumstance. It will be followed by harmonisation. This will ease the learning of aikido moves, tactics, and styles. 

• Turning defence into offence 

In aikido, it has been said that defence is the greatest offence. This means that to protect yourself against an assault; aikido teaches you how to distance yourself from your attacker’s range of effective moves. While you try to defend yourself by moving away from the opponent’s attack, it is crucial to maintain your range of effective moves to counter-attack successfully. 

In aikido, the moves you use for attacking or counter-attack are almost always determined by your situation. To utilise aikido properly to your advantage, practitioners will need to learn to stay outside of their opponent’s range while still maintaining a tactical advantage. 

Aikido techniques 

Defence techniques 

The defence technique is more commonly used in frontal attacks. To demonstrate the technique, place one leg forward with your foot turned out and place your palm open from the same side of the leg in front. Put weight over the front foot and bend your knee slightly. Let your back foot be free to move about but keep it on the mat. Lastly, keep looking at the front and observe your opponent and your surroundings. 

Tai sabaki

Tai sabaki refers to a bending movement that is unique and generally in a circular manner. This method is used in aikido to avoid attacks and divert the opponent’s energy to the other person. This method can be used positively or negatively depending on your chosen movement style. 

Shikko 

Shikko is an aikido method mainly involving the knee. This method works by transferring the weight from one knee to another whenever the person moves around on their knees during the movement. 

Irimi

Irimi is an advanced aikido technique that breaks the opponent’s posture. This technique interferes with the opponent’s balance and can cause them to fall. 

Tenkan

Tenkan is an aikido technique that refers to a circular movement with Tai Sabaki to destroy the opponent’s balance state and break their posture. 

Ukemi 

The ukemi aikido technique is a technique for beginners and involves specific rolling strategies necessary for an aikido fight. Two of the rolling techniques are the forward and backward roll.  

Aikido etiquette 

In aikido and martial arts in general, etiquette is as important as mastering physical techniques. With the proper etiquette, the entire dojo atmosphere is excellent for the practitioner’s self-awareness and intuition to thrive. It is crucial to understand and practice the essential etiquette to make full use of aikido practice as a beginner. 

Bowing 

Bowing, also known as rei in aikido, is an important aspect of the Japanese culture to show respect. In aikido, bowing represents respect and gratitude. The two most common bowing positions are kneeling or standing positions. 

Should you learn aikido

If you are entirely new to martial arts, aikido can be a good option for you. Aikido is a martial art for any age, and it is also non-aggressive. If you are reasonably fit and careful when you train aikido, it is possible to continue aikido into your late adulthood. The better you are in aikido, the less physical strength it requires. 

Aikido utilises physics and internal energy, which allows the practitioner to make powerful movements using minimal physical strength. Aikido stands out from most martial arts as others are either too aggressive or require substantial physical strength to continue training, so it is not age-friendly for older people. 

If you are looking for a martial art that is age-friendly and non-aggressive, aikido may be the martial art for you. 

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