What is aikido? Origin, history and rules of the sport

What is aikido? Origin, history and rules of the sport

Claudia Kogi
October 2, 2023 at 8:45 PM

If it can be described in one word, sports can be described as comprehensive. Unlike other sectors in the world, different types of sports emerge day in and day out. Among them, most people have wondered what aikido is. Is it a sport? Does it have certain rules to be followed? Is it an interesting activity to venture into? Find out more information about the sport, including details about rules and history.

What are the rules of aikido?
An aikido team member attends a training session with a dispensation amid corona virus at Karsiyaka Coast on 14 May 2020. in Izmir, Turkey. Photo: Mehmet Emin Menguarslan (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

What is aikido all about? It is a modern Japanese martial art that is split into many different styles, including Iwama Ryu, Yoshinkan, Renshinkai, Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, and Aikikai. Since its inception, the activity is practised in around 140 countries.

What is aikido martial arts?

The famous sport, famously recognised as a Japanese martial art, was developed by Morihei Ueshiba during the early 20th century. Morihei Ueshiba was a master of several Japanese martial arts. He went ahead to create a new martial art that would later be more effective and less aggressive than the traditional styles.

Where did aikido come from?

More like the history of the sport, Ueshiba developed it primarily during the late 1920s through the 1930s via the synthesis of the older martial arts that he had studied earlier. The core and main martial art from which it derives is Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, which Ueshiba studied directly with Takeda Sōkaku, the reviver of that art.

Although it is somewhat unclear when the founder started using its current name, the sport's name was formerly Aiki Budo.

What are the rules of aikido?

What are the rules of aikido?
Children are seen training together for the Japanese martial art on 29 May 2019 in Schleswig-Holstein, Reinbek. Photo: Ulrich Perrey (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Every activity has a set of rules and regulations that are expected to be adhered to to ensure that the sport runs smoothly, from soccer, basketball, netball, volleyball, swimming, football, baseball, and so forth.

Regarding the Aiki Arts Centre, several rules of dojo etiquette are often implemented to ensure that the sport is effective. These set of rules include;

  • Receive instruction respectfully
  • Arrive 30 minutes or earlier before class
  • Always remember to bow
  • Always stay put when Sensei is demonstrating
  • Practice emotional responsibility

Among all the rules of the sport, the most vital one is the one where an athlete should be emotionally responsible. According to most practitioners, the diligent practice of emotional responsibility is central to its training.

Consequently, it develops a greater capacity for emotional responsibility and is one of the central goals and benefits of the sport's training. So, when someone asks what aikido is based on, one of the most essential factors of the game is the capacity to be emotionally responsible.

What is aikido good for?

Since the game is just one form of exercise, athletes gain several benefits from practising it. These benefits include;

What is aikido good for?
Trainer of TSV Reinbek train together for the Japanese martial art Aikido on 26 May 2019 in Schleswig-Holstein, Reinbek. Photo: Ulrich Perrey
Source: Getty Images
  • A wealth of physical benefits
  • Greater body awareness
  • Improves one's mind
  • Self-development
  • Spiritual benefits

From the benefits above, one can tell that the sport is more spiritual and emotional than physical. Nevertheless, the sport provides a wide range of health benefits.

What is aikido similar to?

Well, most people often assume that it is similar to boxing or even mixed martial arts. However, it is even different from other traditional Asian martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, or Kendo in several ways.

All these forms focus on a particular conflict created by another person's attack. The only conspicuous difference is the response to the attack.

Aikido and Hapkido

Are these two similar? Well, most people often confuse these sports. For starters, the names are somewhat identical in pronunciation. One big difference is the fact that aikido is a Japanese-based sport, while Hapkido is Korean-based.

What facilities and equipment are required in aikido?

Where did aikido come from?
Gerard Blaize (L) and his trainee practicing aikido during the Arts Martial Festival on 26 March 2016 in Paris, France. Photo: Sebastien Muylaert
Source: Getty Images

The sport does not really require a lot of equipment. The main equipment often required are the;

  • Judo mats
  • Judo or karate suits
  • Wooden practice weapons
  • Belts
  • Iaito, stands and bags

Is aikido good for self-defence?

The sport is an effective form of martial art that works well as a form of self-defence. The main focus of the sport is self-defence.

Those wondering what aikido is and how it is played are now in the loop. Dating centuries ago, the sport has come a long way, and currently, it has amassed a significant fan base. And despite being relatively dangerous, most people have begun to participate in it professionally and recreationally.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.