What do we practice in aikido?

Aikido is a martial art that many people have an opinion about. Martial arts enthusiasts usually know something about aikido. After all, aikido has been practiced in Finland since the early 1970s. What actually is practiced in aikido is often a mystery even to martial arts enthusiasts. The situation is not made easier by the fact that aikido is practiced for many different reasons. This blog post attempts to reflect my own interpretation of practicing aikido.

Most people don’t really know anything about the art. “Have you competed?” is a question I’ve often answered. Many are surprised when I tell them that there are no competitions in the art. However, these same people may go to the gym, do yoga, or do some other form of exercise just for the joy of it.

Some may ask about self-defense. It would be nice to know how to defend yourself if a “situation” arises. Or not necessarily yourself, but a weaker family member or other weaker companion. Is the real reason the desire to be an alpha male who knows how to fight? The toughest martial art is the most suitable for this. Even the “king of martial arts”, as one well-known art in Finland advertised on social media.

I myself started practicing aikido purely to improve my body control so that my skis would slide smoother. After trying it out, however, what appealed to me most about the art was the playfulness of practicing together. Play where we are struggling in a certain way, but still doing something together. A kind of dance, but still clearly following the laws of struggle.

In Aikido, the goal is not to be the strongest and most effective fighter, but to be sensitive and aware. What kind of interaction is there between the attacker and the recipient? Who controls the conflict? Who reads the situation with the most accurate sensors. Who is able to adapt their body to the situation, while still maintaining the principles of combat.

You can also feel a similar play in other martial arts. However, I find aikido to be pleasant on the body. In aikido, there are less frequent very painful blows to the body and you don’t need to wear protective equipment. The opponent doesn’t try to make you as uncomfortable as possible or tear your limbs off. Of course, there are locks, punches and kicks, but the level is adjusted so that the recipient can just barely cope with the situation. Aikido is continuous non-verbal communication. Speaking with the body. A certain kind of art where the context of the fight provides structure.

It took me years to realize this, although I very quickly realized that there was something different and important here, but I didn’t know what.