Karate, Taekwondo and Aikido
Karate, taekwondo and Aikido - Some thoughts
Seemingly at the opposite ends of the martial arts spectrum, the soft internal art of aikido and the hard hitting
external martial art of karate both share their origins in the feudal era of Japan. Karate an open handed art primarily
employs the fists and hands as weapons, though readily available (at the time) farming tools were also commonly employed
as weapons. Aikido on the otherhand was a Samurai battlefield art designed for and arguably based on the samurai sword
techniques. in this environment the blocks of karate were not well suited (ever tried to block a sword cut) and thus
blending, soft style movements had to employed.
Over the years many karate students have stepped into our (and I am sure many other) aikido dojos. Often this co-incides
with the
release or replay of a Steven Seagal movie. Karate students come sometimes looking to see how their art 'stacks up' or just
looking for an edge for their own practice. Sometimes they find what they are after and sometimes not.
Karate could be said to be developing the generation of power or 'hard ki' whilst aikido seeks instead to
flow with the power of the attacker rather than compete with it. While many karate stances are wide to facilitate
the development of power aikido footwork tends to be natirally close together so that mobility is enhanced.
Recently some of us attended a seminar by Japan Karate Association's Stan Schmidt Sensei (
JKA) chief instructor for South Africa and did some
training with him in Melbourne
Its was humbling to work with such an experienced karateka, especially his begineers mind as he shared his intrest in aikido.
The training was a fascinating experience as we shared different aspects of karate and aikido with each other,
confirming
the shared goals of the two arts and how at their highest levels this arts have much in common.
For the new
student Aikido offers something for those seeking to practice a martial art but perhaps uncomfortable with
the striking arts. Aikido is often called the art of peace because of its ability to subdue an attacker peacefully,
for this reson aikido is well regarded in the security and police industries.
Click to find out more about aikido and start aikido training today .
Begineers, try an introductary class with our compliments.
