Paul Linden - Being In Movement ®

Aikido defense techniques consist primarily of joint locks and throws and are based on going along with the power of the attack to control aggression. Aikido offers an effective form of self-defense that aims at protecting yourself without necessarily hurting another human being. Aikido includes defenses against grabs, punches, and kicks, as well as defenses against attacks with a knife, sword, staff or gun. Aikido techniques include strikes as a means of controllingthe opponent's movement and setting him or her up for the throws. The practice deals with attacks by single or multiple assailants.

There are no competitions in Aikido, and the art can be practiced and enjoyed by anyone regardless of age, size or strength. Aikido is an enjoyable learning adventure carried out in a mutually supportive atmosphere. Because students move and learn at their own pace, Aikido is an effective form of exercise and relaxation that people can continue for their whole lives. The goal of Aikido is to learn to move and live in a state of power, gentleness, freedom, and harmony.

At Aikido of Columbus, we focus on Aikido as both a self-defense method and a pathway to inner learning. When we feel threatened, our natural response is to tighten up and resist. In order to go along with the attack, we need to be deeply aware of the attacker, and to do that we need to be anchored in a mindbody state of power and love. This is where the practices of self-defense and self-awareness converge. At Aikido of Columbus, we teach how to use body awareness, openness of breath, proper body alignment, and flowing energy to achieve smooth, powerful, effective Aikido techniques and an attitude of respect and (Watch Video) kindness.

AN AIKI MOMENT
Tom Simpson, who earned his black belt at Aikido of Columbus, sent in this description of an aiki moment:

Had an “aiki moment” this morning at home. I’m barefooted, carrying a heavy piece of luggage down the stairs. Luggage in one hand, handful of misc in the other. I go down 3 steps and lean back to also pick up an object from the step to take with us. My feet slipped out from under me. I surfed the stairs, all the way to the bottom! I never let go of the luggage or the other stuff, but I rode my elbow down the banister and got a little stability from the sliding luggage. Time slowed way down. The cool thing was I got low and my feet surfed the edges of each of nine steps, while I gradually shifted center forward to get more weight on the foot strikes and decelerate. I stopped with full balance at the bottom. Thank you, Paul.

BEGINNERS are welcome to practice right along with everyone else, but at a slower pace. It is helpful for beginners to practice with the advanced students since the advanced students can guide the beginners in their practice. Though it may seem intimidating, beginners learn quickly when they jump right in with everyone else. In addition, it is safer for beginners to practice with more advanced students, who have some knowledge of the techniques and how to do them safely.

Which Martial Art Should I study?

Download this article by Paul. A brief discussion of the various aspects of different martial arts, with an eye towards helping people pick out the one that they would most enjoy.