Japanese martial arts Archives

Apr 22

Aikido: The Way of Harmony with the Spirit

By Paul Forhan El Paso TX, Martial Arts

There’s a sense of peace that tends to manifest when we exercise. Be it going for an early morning jog or bench pressing weights at the gym, we manifest a mental state of repetition that can often lead to a state of meditation. Even if we don’t actively try to achieve this state, it still occurs. You might listen to music or a podcast as you go about your workout, this sends you further into a state of oneness with your mind, body, and soul. That’s why you feel so good after working out. But if you’d like to take your workout to the next level, on a physical and spiritual level, consider partaking in aikido classes.

Aikido: The Origins

Aikido, a Japanese martial art, may seem similar to Jiu-Jitsu as it involves throws and joint locks as well as techniques similar to Kenjutsu. Unlike other popular martial art styles, aikido doesn’t focus on attacks such as punching or kicking. Instead, it focuses on using the opponent’s energy in order to control them. By using this “opposing” momentum to your advantage, you’ll be able to defend yourself. But Aikido is much more than a method of self-defense, it’s a way of life! That may sound grandiose but it’s true. Aikido can lead to self-defense, enlightenment, and peace of mind. You see, the term “aikido” can be literally translated as “the way of harmony with the spirit.” Each lesson can be used to positively impact your life, on a physical, mental, and spiritual level.

Become Part of a Positive Community

If you’re curious about this martial art, you can visit Aikido of El Paso to take a look at what you can expect from a regular day of practice. Or, you could also look up aikido on Youtube. It may seem like a choreographed dance but it’s all real. The setting of aikido is safe but everything you see is the actual use of motion and momentum to cause the opponent to become unbalanced. Achieving this degree of smooth effortlessness takes practice, of course. Once you gain knowledge of aikido, you’ll be able to use it in your daily life. It’s a force for good in the world and you’ll become a vessel for such positivity. We all have a place in nature; aikido helps us live in harmony. Give Aikido of El Paso a call today to learn more about the benefits of this martial art!

Apr 21

What Differentiates Japanese Martial Arts from Other Combat Forms

By Paul Forhan El Paso TX, Japanese Martial Arts

When discussing the topic of Japanese martial arts, you may picture individuals in robes striking each other while shouting loudly. It’s important to understand that Japanese martial arts encompass a wide range of styles and techniques, some make use of weapons while others solely rely on the practitioner’s own body and strength. Aikido is one such martial art. It stands apart from other art forms because aikido focuses solely on self defense. If you’re in the El Paso area and you’d like to learn a highly useful form of self defense, visit Aikido of El Paso!

Why Japanese Martial Arts Matter

What differentiates Japanese martial arts from other forms of combat from around the world is the intrinsic philosophy that permeates through every form of martial art. From those that make use of weapons (kendo and kyudo) to those that only require the practitioner’s own body (karate, aikido), the world of martial arts offers a wide variety of choice for all. Japanese martial arts are known as “budo.” This term is used to describe modern martial arts and it translates literally to “the way of war.” Although this literal translation may seem very violentand aggressive, budo is essentially a way of training both the mind and spirit to reach an internal peace. In fact, modern martial arts have no enemy. The only enemy is the one within the practitioner. This “ego” is that which must be fought.

Understanding Aikido

Many types of budo require the practitioner to instill physical injury upon their attacker. This substantial aggression can lead to negative emotions which may manifest in the life of the practitioner. Morihei Ueshiba, aikido’s founder, decided to create a budo that implemented his own martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. The term “aikido” loosely translates to the way of harmonious spirit.” In essence, Ueshiba set out to create a budo wherein the practitioner could defend his or herself while protecting the attacker from injury. This may sound counterintuitive, especially from a Western perspective. Regardless, by keeping both the practitioner and the attacker free from harm, aikido is able to impart positive energy into the environment that surrounds the practitioner.

Practice Aikido in the El Paso Area

This is where Japanese martial arts differ from other forms of physical combat or training. Since budo combines philosophy with physical training, the practitioner’s mind and body are reinforced through practice. If you’d like to take your first steps towards enhancing your life, both mentally and physically, then visit Aikido of El Paso! We offer classes to students of all ages, all throughout the week. Contact us today to learn more about our schedule and classes!