Aikido | Time Out Tokyo

No contest – exploring the essence of aikido

We meet a master of aikido, the most spiritual of Japan’s martial arts

Written by
Ili Saarinen
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It's just after 6am and I share a sun-bathed room with 100 men and women who could slam me face first into the tatami mat-covered floor without breaking a sweat. But luckily enough, that’s the last thing on their minds: this fearsome bunch, clad in loose white uniforms and black or dark blue hakama trousers, has assembled at the Aikido Honbu Dojo complex in Wakamatsucho for asageiko (morning practice).

Their pursuit is aikido, a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the 1930s, loosely translated as ‘the way of the harmonious spirit’, and headquartered in this quiet Shinjuku neighbourhood.

This morning’s group is even more international than usually, with enthusiasts from around the world having flown in for the annual All-Japan aikido demonstration that’s coming up in a few days. The founder’s great grandson, Mitsuteru Ueshiba, heads the session, performing the various waza (techniques) effortlessly with an opponent before calling for his disciples to repeat the move with their sparring partner, over and over and over.

“Aikido”

“Aikido”

His students, some in their late teens, others well beyond retirement age, take turns throwing, twisting, pushing and falling over – all with admirable control and care for their partner’s safety. This process of ‘mental improvement and cultivation of inner strength’, says the 36-year-old Ueshiba, is at the core of aikido.

Now boasting around a million practitioners worldwide, aikido differs from other martial arts in one crucial way: it has no matches, meaning that there are never any winners or losers. This, says Ueshiba, is because his great grandfather believed that ‘the true spirit of martial arts lies not in the testing of one’s strength against others, but in pursuing spiritual growth... It’s all about improving yourself – not impressing others.’

“Aikido”

Mitsuteru Ueshiba

While aikido’s lack of a competitive element may keep it out of the Olympics, it still makes for a spectacular spectator experience. Take the annual ‘enbukai’ demonstration, a grand event held at the Nippon Budokan, an arena considered the spiritual centre of Japanese martial arts.

During this all-day jamboree, performances range from the cautious and detail-oriented movement of casual aikido-ka representing their school, company or local dojo, to the spectacularly sharp and dynamic throws and suppression techniques of top-level sensei, including Ueshiba and his father, doshu (grand master) Moriteru Ueshiba.

“Aikido”

At the All-Japan Aikido Demonstration

“Aikido”

With the 14,000-seat Budokan all but packed for the demonstration every year and the number of practitioners steadily growing around the world, it’s hardly surprising that Mitsuteru Ueshiba is happy about the state of his great grandfather’s legacy.

But that, he says, is no reason for complacency: ‘Of course, my primary task is to uphold the heritage [of aikido] and pass it on to coming generations. I never stop thinking about what can be done to ensure that the future remains bright.’

“Aikido”

“Aikido”

“Mitsuteru

Want to try aikido for yourself? Mitsuteru Ueshiba recommends contacting your local dojo directly – you can search for a training centre here. The All-Japan Aikido Demonstration takes place in late May every year.

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