Application of Aikido Principles
Aikido: A martial arts practice of peace
Aikido is a nonviolent, noncompetitive Japanese martial art emphasizing mind-body harmony, balance, relaxation, and the understanding of vital energy (ki). Aikido self-defense techniques aim toward the creative resolution of conflict and the growth of the individual. There are many dojos in the greater Bay Area several dojos in the immediate vicinity of UCSC.
Aikido of Santa Cruz
Linda Holiday, Chief Instructor
306 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
(831) 423-8326
www.aikidosantacruz.org
Aikido of Pajaro Valley
1040 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 722-0838
Aikido Classes at UC Santa Cruz
Intermediate/Advanced and Advanced/Intermediate
Yoshi Shibata, Instructor
http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/programs_courses/phyeCourses.htm
Application of Aikido Principles
Experienced and skillful practitioners of Aikido around the world are exploring ways to apply what they are learning in their Aikido training to the challenges of contemporary life, especially such principles as blending and redirection of energy, centered presence in the face of attack, and non-resistant but assertive response. A few examples include:
Understanding the Magic of Conflict – Tom Crumm
Training in Conflict and Communication Skills – Judy Ringer
Aiki Extensions - an international association of Aikidoists integrating the principles and strategies of Aikido into their professional practices (e.g., therapy, education, counseling, peace making, mediation, body work).
“Aiki is not a technique to fight or defeat an enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family. ..A mind to serve for the peace of all human beings in the world is needed in Aikido, and not the mind of one who wishes to be strong or who practices only to defeat an opponent.”
Morihei Ueshiba / O'Sensei, founder of Aikido