Aikido
Aerobic exercises for all ages
Internationally recognised
Knowledge of self awareness
Interaction between mind & body
Development of the individual
Organised, educationally based tuition
The Benefits of Aikido
Aikido practise can benefit everyone, male or female, young or old, of any ethnic or national origin. All can enjoy and improve their health and fitness by attending regular and well run classes. The formal and more cerebral aspect of our system appeal to certain students, the competitive and sports side to others. Its full and natural body movement has aerobic benefits for all. When practised regularly it will assist in developing a fitter, more supple and stronger body with improved flexibility, reflexes and reactions.
A Non-Violent Sport
Aikido is essentially non-violent, encourages harmony and avoidance of confrontation. Force is never opposed by force. Resolving a conflict quiescently is better for all concerned and students soon learn how to improve their self-awareness, and with the techniques learnt, also grow in self-confidence. In this Aikido teaches self-defence. Aikido is todays fastest growing recreational activity with Japanese origins that go back many centuries. Aikido as practised today includes joint locking techniques and body movements from many of the ancient fighting methods taught, used, and perfected by the Samurai in feudal Japan.
The Principles of Aikido
Aikido principles are based on exploiting the weaknesses of an opponent. Joints, posture, the mind can all be vulnerable areas when attacked or challenged. In essence Aikido is turning an opponents' power against themselves by using the exact degree of control required to neutralise their energy without inflicting undue harm.
Competitive Aikido
Competitive Aikido is a small but vital part of Aikido practice within the BAA and is the area given the highest profile. It's appeal is primarily to the young and as such for an individual practitioner is short lived. The main forms of competition are Embu, Ninin dori and Shiai.
Embu (Kata) is a formal presentation of Aikido techniques by two people being observed by a Judging Panel. A smooth flowing performance demonstrating the purpose and understanding of the specific Kata is required. Combined with movement and co-ordination between both participants, a first class representation of our activity results. Juniors from the age of 6 years to under 16 years of age also compete in their own competitions.
Ninin Dori is a “free-style” event with three players, ladies, men or juniors, each of whom in turn, take the part of the defender against the other two. Players are assessed on the variation of technique and attack, speed of performance, spatial awareness and general reaction under stress. This event requires considerable stamina and also tests the participants fitness.
Tanto Randori Shiai, in this event a player demonstrates their ability to deal with a thrusting attack from a short baton, formally known as a “Tanto”. Two players are involved, each in turn taking the part of an attacker (Tanto) and a defender (Toshu). The defender scores by the application of an Aikido technique against Tanto. The attacker can score by making a positive strike on the defender's target area with the tanto and by using a limited number of techniques once grasped. There are bouts for men and ladies which may have grade restrictions applicable to them. Neither player is co-operating and it is a true test of skill and technique. Juniors are not allowed to take part.
The National Squad
The National Squad was formed in 1988, and is the flag ship of the Association, the latest developments in competition are practised and in turn taken back to the Clubs. To become a squad member takes determination, dedication and skill, to name but a few qualities. In competition the Squad collectively hold the “Best-in-the-world” status. It actively takes part in promoting the BAA and Aikido world-wide. The Squad produced the Gladiators final winner 1992 and the “Overall World Champion” for 1995. Squad members have appeared on “Sky Sports” and more recently had national coverage on BBC 1 Television. In 1998, National Squad members attended the 3rd International at Imabari, Japan. In this competition Chandra Kaur of the National Squad took a Gold Medal for Womens Tanto. In September of this year the National Squad will travel to Brisbane, Australia to take part in The 1999 Tomiki International Festival. The National Squad are continually seeking ways to raise funds and to promote Aikido.