Aikido at the SHINDO Dojo

Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on the principles of self-defence by evading attacks and redirecting the opponent's aggressive energy in such a way as that the power of attack is dissolved and reverts to the aggressor. These principles imply a considerable amount of throwing, holding, and leverage techniques.

Aikido was founded by O Sensei Ueshiba Morihei (1883-1969) as the product of the merger of different styles of Juijitsu (e.g. Daito ryu, Yagu ryu) with sword- and spear-fighting techniques. Aikido is taught by Olaf Lotze, 4th Dan, in the Shindo and is influenced by Takano Sensei, 7th Dan, and Edmund Kern Kyoshi, 8th Dan, substantially.

Aikido's strong philosophical and religious background results from O Sensei's beography and his encounters with Deguchi, a priest of the Omotekyo sect. The word "Aikido" consists of the syllables "Ai" (love/harmony), "Ki" (primeval power, energy of life, cosmic energy) and "Do" (way).

	"Ai" may also signify the relationship of the training partners towards each other aiming at technical and human perfection without being disturbed by aggressions.
	"Ki", expressing human and cosmic power, may refer to the centre of the person, the tanden, where "Ki" is stored. This signifies the right centre of gravity and life.
	"Do" expresses the way of the people with each other as well as their task of living with each other in harmony and giving-up egoistic thinking.

Aikido is a way ("Do") aiming at the development of innate power and strength ("Ki"), and it shows itself in strong personalities acting purposefully. This aim can be archieved anly by constant efforts.

Aikido's true meaning lies in training itself. Nowadays they arevarious distinguished from each othe in their interpretations os O-Sensei's teachings. And yet, the basic idea is the same almost everywhere.

The Shindo Dojo is a Member in IAIDO of the International Martial Arts Federation/ IMAF with Headquater in Tokyo.