What is Aikido?
Aikido is a modern, nonviolent Japanese martial
art that was developed in the earlier part of last century by the late
master, Morihei Ueshiba. The Founder passed away in 1969 at the age of
eighty-six.
Effective as Aikido is as a martial art, its essence goes beyond the resolution
of physical conflicts. Based on his background of rigorous training in
several traditional Japanese jujutsu, the Founder spent the years from
the middle of his life developing his art as a means of refining and uplifting
the human sprit. The Founder succeeded in creating what he then named
"Aikido", "The Way of Harmony with the Forces and Principles
of Nature." Aikido is a true "budo", a path in which the
keen edge of martial training is utilized as a "Way" to spiritual
growth.
Despite its growing popularity, Aikido remains true to the goals of "budo".
Its methods are based on the Founderﾕs deep faith in "austere training
for the sake of improving the human sprit through tireless polishing and
perfection of the mind and body." In accordance with the Founderﾕs
ideals, the art has been kept separate from sports, in which one person
competes with another. Aikido is rather, a path of personal development
for people who sincerely desire to perfect their own human nature. As
such, Aikido places great importance on the Oriental conception of the
universal principle, "Ki"―the life-force or breath. Aikido seeks
to achieve the total unification of this universal "ki" with
the "ki" of the individual human "self". Aikido is
a budo to harmonize the individual with the universal Principle, and to
establish concord among all peoples. Out of the ancient traditions of
Japanese martial arts, Aikido thrives today as a source of harmony to
counter the disharmonious forces that exist in the world today.
Igarashi Sensei teaches at Three Dojos in the Kanto area, which together are known as "Igarashi Dojo".
These are :
1. The main Dojo at Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa,
established in February, 1983
2. Hachioji Dojo, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
3. Honatsugi Dojo, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa
In the adult class training is more rigorous, but naturally always under the strict guidance of the instructor, everyone participating to the extent they enjoy. While placing emphasis on basic skills, such as empty-handed techniques, there is also practice with weapons, primarily the aiki-sword and staff. This includes mainly partner drills with weapons, but also other combinations, such as one against many.
The Igarashi Dojo has friendship agreements with training centers in Canada and the Republic of China. There are also ongoing exchange programs with Dojos in other countries, including the United States, Sweden, Finland and Australia.
AIKIDO IGARASHI DOJO
5-20-2 Hashimoto, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 252-0143 JAPAN
Tel: 81-42-773-6362 Fax: 81-42-773-6375
How to get to Hashimoto Station from Narita Airport