Aikado class at Acadia University teaches combatting one’s inner self
WOLFVILLE, N.S. (CUP) — Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded in 1925 by Master Morihei Uyeshiba as a synthesis of various other bujutsu he studied in his youth.
Subsequently, especially in recent decades, the discipline has been recognized by some as standing amongst the ranks of the most subtle and sophisticated of martial arts.
One of the finest texts describing aikido study and practice, Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere, roughly translates the word aikido as the “method or way [do] for the co-ordination or harmony [ai] of mental energy or spirit [ki].”
This aptly describes an art, which effectively develops, integrates and utilizes a practitioner’s physical and mental abilities, with a view to self-defense.
An important aspect of the discipline is that it does not include attacking techniques, such as punches or kicks. Instead, emphasis is placed upon redirecting an opponent’s energy into a successful self-defense manoeuvre.
Much like one of its antecedents, the Japanese art of jujutsu, instruction centres on mastering holds, throws and joint locks. Additionally, influences from Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Taoism have shaped one of the art’s core philosophies — constant pursuit of the highest ethical standards of self-defense. Within this, practitioners are imbued with a sincere desire to defend without hurting others, whenever possible.
As such, the discipline has garnered a well-earned reputation for being a “morally positive” form of martial arts.
Despite its relative obscurity in comparison to some of the other fitness and recreation offerings from the Acadia University athletics complex, aikido practice has been a part of university life for a surprisingly long time.
Founded in 1997 by a newcomer to Wolfville, N.S., David Humphreys, Acadia’s aikido dojo marks 13 years of instruction in 2010.
A seasoned practitioner of the art, having spent years of study in Halifax, Humphreys’ move to the Annanoplis Valley brought him to realize that continuing his progress with aikido would require him to establish a dojo at Acadia.
Ten years later, in 2008, Humphreys moved away from Wolfville, leaving his former student Terry Lane to take over the reins.
Open to students, staff and community members, the two-hour classes are offered three times a week.
“People at all levels of experience practice together,” Lane said. “Although the fee structure is attached to the academic term, it is possible to start at anytime without being disadvantaged.”
According to Lane, who also serves as the director of Acadia’s student resource centre, aikido instruction “emphasizes relaxation, movement and flexibility,” making its study perfect for individuals of all ages.
Suggesting that participants attend at least two classes a week, he acknowledges that this can be a difficult commitment to make, especially considering the busy schedules that many students have to manage during the term.
However, for those who persevere, the benefits are manifest in the personal advancement and physical fitness gains obtained from continuous practice.
“The best not-so-secret secret about aikido practice,” explained Lane, “is that one always improves at aikido as long as practice is maintained.”
In contrast to the competitive model of other arts, in which one has to compete against others in order to progress, Lane says, “the only real opponent encountered in aikido is oneself … which may be the toughest one of all.”
Lane encourages anyone interested to observe or try out a class anytime, and take the opportunity to pursue a new challenge that could begin a lifelong pursuit of this fascinating martial art.
