This endearing-looking old man is the founder of martial art known as Aikido. His name was Morihei Ueshiba, better known to everyone as sensei (grandmaster) in a sign of respect. His dream, beyond expanding the technical knowledge of this martial art, was to spread peace and love for all mankind through the expression of aikido. His intention was to improve the spirit of each person and through this, make a better world.
Aikido was developed in Japan and has its origins in many different styles of ancient bujutsu. Ueshiba Õ'sensei refined these techniques and added spiritual elements that distinguish her from other martial arts.
Aikido aims to unify its own energy (ki) with that of the infinite universe. It is a fusion of ki with reason.
But what is aikido?
It is the path of the unification of mind, body and spirit, where a way of living in harmony with oneself and others is sought.
The name of aikido is a composition of three Japanese words:
AI = unite, harmony, coordination
KI = life force, manifested energy and spirit
DO = study, search, path, path, discipline, mode.
Methodology
Ueshiba created a discipline based on deterrence and concord, neutralizing the contrary with the principles of non-resistance, based on the philosophy of yin and yang (they are two opposing energies that are needed and complement each other). You learn to flow with the other, to harness that energy and use it in our favor.
In our current society, children are born surrounded by stimuli and electronic devices, with thousands of toys full of colors and sounds, as well as accessories to accelerate their development. To all this is added a restriction of movements, since they spend less time discovering their body or playing on the ground. As a result we see more and more disconnected children, with attention deficit or hyperactive, and especially with a deep feeling of emptiness and insecurity, which manifests itself especially in adolescence. Where, if you do not have strong foundations, serious behavioral and even psychological problems can appear.
Studies are currently being seen where sports are related to good physical, psychological and emotional development (John Ratey, MD, author of "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain")
Aikido is a martial art suitable for children, as it promotes a healthy philosophy and lifestyle that will accompany the child to adulthood. It is not just a sports activity, it goes beyond; because it works holistically body-mind-spirit in a climate of respect and companionship.
Benefits of Aikido practice in children.
- raise your awareness and sensitivity with others
- self control
- self respect and respect and listen to others
- development of the sense of intuition
- encourages self improvement
- physical, mental and spiritual strength is strengthened together
- companionship and cooperation are encouraged, not competitiveness
- Increase self-esteem, gain confidence and security
- self knowledge
- physical sensitivity and flexibility
- respiratory work
- balance and stability
- improves brain coordination body
- integration of visual, auditory and tactile capabilities
- greater attention span
- proprioception development
- work laterality
- Brain development from all dimensions: up / down left / right forward / behind, fostering neural connections and maturing immature primitive reflexes
In addition, Aikido does not remain alone in the Dojo (where martial arts are practiced), but a sensitivity develops for others and our interest in them in our daily interactions. This should accompany the technical development. If we do not understand this, we will not reach the true purpose of its practice.
Aikido is not just a martial art, it is a lifestyle.
Reflection
When an aikido class is done, the person brings their own personality, fears, limitations, creativity, beauty, the person can be seen through the expression of their movements. Something that is created beyond words.
Children are pure, essential and spontaneous. That makes them beautiful. That is why it is important that this essence be maintained until adulthood.
If you ask me as an educator, mother or friend the best way to develop a child, without a doubt, the answer would be the same Aikido.
Author: Rosa Wardrobe. Psychologist
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