Kokikai Aikido

There are numerous types of martial arts, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Each with their own style and practicality. Taking up a martial art had been a dream of mine ever since I was young, and it was not until the beginning of college that the chance to take up such an art. My martial art of choice was Kokikai Aikido, or the "gentle martial art."

The art of Aikido dates back to when other martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, and Shotokan Karate were created. The specific branch of Kokikai Aikido was created in the late nineteenth century by Shuji Maruyama Sensei, one of the greatest students Shudo Maruyama Sensei, the original founder of Aikido, ever had.

Kokikai Aikido is a defense specialized martial art. Kokikai Aikido uses a series of throws and pins to redirect the attacker so that he is thrown away or controller. This is a big contrast to the hard martial arts based on kicks and punches. There is no anger, aggression, or viciousness in Aikido. The basic principles include timing, posture, relaxation, and keeping focus on their "one point." The idea of Aikido is using body physics and momentum to effortlessly throw their opponent.

Kokikai Aikido is an adventure for me because it is a step outside from my typical math and science curriculum. It does possess some physical risk, and at times mental when you cannot properly execute a technique. It is a test of my skill, and my ability to critically assess a technique while being completely independent. I have to think on my own to get the attacker away from me in order to be ready for the next. It is thrilling to step into a different culture and examine their etiquette. It is a type of sensation that I adore, but did not know until recently. I feel accomplished after performing well after a solid practice. It is my desire to attend every practice, learning as much as possible to better myself. I experience both types of fun when practicing Aikido. Sadly, picture and video are prohibited when at Sensei's camp, and it is difficult to be a photographer and practice Aikido at the same time.

Kokikai Aikido has allowed me to stay more relaxed and focused outside of practice as well as inside. It is something I have grown an interest for. Principles found within the art have helped me improve myself as an individual. In a sense, Aikido has helped me survive college. I look forward to all three practices a week, and will continue to do so as long as it can fit my schedule. I plan on going for my orange belt test in December, and hopefully continue to rise through the ranks as my college career continues. Plus, facing five people in a freestyle for the black belt test is absolutely astonishing.

"Minimum Effort for Maximum Efficiency" (Shuji Maruyama Sensei 1955).

UNH Kokikai Aikido Club Handbook. UNH. 2007.

-Ryan Huard