Aikido plans at NIRMAN!

Aikido 合気道  is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. He developed this modern Japanese martial art based on traditional Samurai fighting arts.

"…Aikido was born with a completely different purpose than that of the old martial arts. The purpose of the old martial arts was to take – suppress, destroy and ultimately take the life of the opponent. Aikido was born to be a budo (martial way) that gives - a budo that shows the opponent how he/she should live and prosper.”

“The practise of clashing gives birth to hatred and causes destruction, but those who know the practise of communion foster mutual love and it gives birth to new things. In daily life the communion between people gives birth to love, friendship and new life.”

- Shoji Nishio Sensei

This philosophy is the reason that we believe that children and adults should practice Aikido, and why we want to make it an integral part of our activities at NIRMAN.

Physical benefits of Aikido include increased balance, coordination, reaction; improved posture, strength, flexibility; a greater awareness of our bodies; and a more relaxed and confident presence. Furthermore, it is a very effective and powerful martial art for self-defence.

Mental benefits include this increased self-awareness, relaxation, and balanced emotions; better ability to resolve conflicts and deal with stressful situations in a calm and positive manner; and the constant challenge of learning new skills.

Spiritual benefits include being able to improve one’s own quality of living; to break or change old habits and conditioning; to see things with greater clarity and perceptiveness; and to have a greater intuitive understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Aikido for children

As children grow up, they need physical fitness, of course. They need to learn control of their bodies, to understand their emotions, to handle the different kinds of situations they find themselves in with their peers and with adults, especially when these situations involve conflict and anger.

In Aikido, children are taught how to work with a partner, not how to fight against them. Aikido develops physical coordination and balance while teaching young people how to find resolutions without conflict or damage to another.

Aikido for everyone

Aikido training is appropriate for all ages. Adults also need to be physically fit, mentally healthy, be constantly learning and growing, and be able to work well with their colleagues, in order for them to be satisfied and inspired in their lives and places of work.

NIRMAN is collaborating with Yufukan Japan, which teaches Nishio style of Aikido. Instructors, Yuriy Yatsenko and Yoko Yokoyama are coming to NIRMAN from Yufukan Ukraine, which is headed by Takashi Kuroki sensei. They will conduct a three-day international seminar (February 18 to 20, 2012) and three-week residency (February 22 to March 8, 2012). In October 2012, NIRMAN will open a full-time Aikido dojo under Yufukan Japan. 

For registration and more information please write to aikido@nirman.info.

**We are still raising funds for setting up the dojo. If you are interested in contributing, please contact us!