Aberdeen City Aikido Club

The founder, Morihei Ueshiba.

The Aberdeen City Aikido Club offers a welcoming and supportive environment for adults of all ages and backgrounds to learn and practise Aikido. Situated in the heart of Aberdeen, the club provides a convenient location for individuals interested in exploring the art of Aikido.

Aikido, meaning “The way of unity of spirit,” is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba. Unlike other martial arts, Aikido focuses on achieving non-destructive resolutions to conflicts. In day-to-day practise, members use the energy of an attack to safely and controlledly pin or throw their partners. Aikido is not about fighting, and there are no sparring sessions, competitions, medals, or prizes.

Instead, Aikido is aimed at self-defence and self-development.

The techniques and principles of Aikido involve utilising the partner's energy in conjunction with one's own, creating a harmonious unity between two individuals. Physical strength is not a requirement for effective Aikido practise. Strength in Aikido is referred to as “Kokyu ryoku” or “breath power,” which arises from a coordinated mind, body, and spirit. As members progress in their training, they develop strength that is quite different from muscular strength.

In order to cultivate ki, or life energy, Aikido training incorporates various exercises and techniques. These include coordination and relaxation techniques, callisthenics, breathing exercises, weapons exercises, falling exercises, and partnered practise. Through these activities, members strengthen their minds and bodies while learning the art of Aikido.

The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, was born on December 14th, 1883, in Tanabe. Despite being a sickly child, Ueshiba engaged in physical pursuits like swimming and sumo under the encouragement of his father. He served in the army and fought in the Russo-Japanese war while studying various martial arts such as Judo, Sumo, Shinkage Ryu, and Jiujutsu. Later, he became a student of Sokaku Takeda, a renowned martial artist teaching Daito Ryu Aikijiujutsu.

Ueshiba's encounter with religious leader Onisaburo Deguchi of the Omoto Kyo sect led him to view his martial arts teachings as a spiritual pursuit rather than solely physical. Eventually, Ueshiba established the art of Aikido in 1942. He retired to Iwama and entrusted his son, Kisshomaru, with the responsibility of running the Aikikai, the organisation dedicated to spreading Aikido teachings worldwide. Today, the Aikikai is led by Moriteru Ueshiba, O-Sensei's grandson, who holds the title of Doshu.

Following World War II, some of O-Sensei's senior students began teaching independently due to the difficulties of teaching Aikido during the occupation of Japan. This led to the development of various styles of Aikido, each with its own philosophy. Examples include Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (Tohei Sensei), Yoshinkan Aikido (Shioda Sensei), Shodokan Aikido (Tomiki Sensei), and Iwama Ryu Aikido (Saito Sensei). While each style has its unique qualities, they are all different expressions of the same art, tracing their lineage back to the founder Morihei Ueshiba.

At the Aberdeen City Aikido Club, members have the opportunity to learn and practise Aikido under experienced instructors who guide them on their journey of self-defence and self-development. Regardless of experience or physical ability, all individuals are welcome to join the club and discover the transformative power of Aikido.