Resources

From Saotome Sensei:

“The movement of Aikido is the dynamic movement of the universal energy forces. The power of Aikido is the power of a strong and unified spirit, mind and body moving in harmony with everything in and around it. Its origin is Budo. Its development is the result of two thousand years of a cultural process of change and refinement, a continuing martial contest of natural selection. It is an evolution etched in blood.”

The study of Budo and the development of Aikido was the life work of Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei (Great Teacher), a figure of great renown who traveled the length and breadth of Japan studying under the greatest masters of many arts. Hard work, severe discipline and all the money he could earn were poured into his mastery of the sword, the spear and the arts of self-defense. Deeply interested in the study of spiritual thought, he had also practiced many different spiritual disciplines. Yet he was unable to unite his spiritual beliefs with his physical accomplishments.

A short time after returning from military action in the Russo-Japanese War, he retired to a small house located on a mountain outside his village. There he lived and studied silently; his days spent training his body and his nights spent deep in prayer. It was at the end of this time of severe training that he had the realization he had been seeking all his life. At that moment nature’s process became clear and he knew that the source of Budo is the spirit of protection of all things.

“Budo is not felling the opponent by force; nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction by arms. True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in nature.“

Morihei Ueshiba intimately recognized and understood the harmony and power of the creative process from which all things evolve. His art was the sword; his creative way was Budo. His understanding and enlightenment is creatively expressed by the protection of all life through a powerful and graphic application of universal truth. Aikido is creation, not destruction. It is a positive energy which creates harmony and justice out of violence.

Excerpt taken from Aikido and the Beginnings of ASU. Read more on ASU's website here.

Below are some useful links and documents for your reference: 

• Glossary of Terms

• Testing and Promotion Requirements

• Participant Application and Release Form (Download coming soon)

  •  Please print and sign before participating in class. Blank forms are also available at the dojo and must be completed prior to participation.

• If you need an Aikido dogi, jo, bokken and other martial arts gear, you can order them from Asia World of Martial Arts (AWMA). Contact the Dojo Cho, Eugie Mintu, Nidan at (859) 361-6162 or by email at eugie.mintu@gmail.com to learn how to get our discounted rate on supplies.

Lexington Aikikai is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and takes its guidance and definitions from their materials. The Aikido Schools of Ueshiba was established by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan in 1975 and unites it's member Aikido dojos under the instruction of Saotome Shihan and his senior students. ASU is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan as an international Aikido organization. 

ASU is an inclusive and non-discriminatory organization that values the growth and educational fulfillment of all of its members, as well as strong mutual support between its member dojos. In addition, ASU reaches out in friendship to all Aikido practitioners, regardless of affiliation, as well as to all Aikido organizations, with the aim of advancing O Sensei’s Aikido in the world.

Read more about the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba on their website.