Aikido is an art of self-defence, but rather than being about fighting, it is concerned more with quality of life. As well as teaching us how to deal effectively with physical attack, armed or unarmed.
Physically, our techniques are distinctive for their elegance and flow, full of subtle yet powerful circular movements. We do not block and strike, but, when attacked, take control of the attack without disrupting it, and lead it to a conclusion of our choice, usually an immobilisation or a throw.
Aikido's principle of blending with, rather than opposing, an attack, is similar to that used in jujutsu.
Aikido is the Japanese martial art that uses a system of holds, throws, and locks as its principal movements. The art focuses on controlling one’s ki (vital energy within the body that is centered in the abdominal region) to subdue an opponent. Aikido principles hold that the mind and body are one. When a person acts in this manner, great power is possible. By joining with the motion of an attack and taking control of its force, it is possible to redirect the power of the attack safely and effectively.
Aikido was developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969); known to his students as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). A legendary master of several schools of martial arts, O-Sensei was also a deeply spiritual man. An early taste of war forged his opposition to the use of martial arts for destructive purposes. His pursuits of these passions led him to the development of Aikido, a discipline designed to control aggression and violence, as well as help people realise their full potential as individuals: physically, mentally and spiritually.
"Aikido is the principle of non-resistance. Because it is non-resistant, it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious thoughts are instantly vanquished."
Morihei Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido)
British Birankai
The British Birankai (formerly British Aikikai) was born out of the natural evolution of events in the development of Aikido in the United Kingdom.
TK Chiba Shihan commenced his Aikido training in 1958 as an uchideshi (live-in student) of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. He studied with the Founder intensively for seven years and in 1966 he was assigned to Great Britain to form its first national Aikikai organisation, the Aikikai of Great Britain. The assignment of Chiba Shihan followed the return to Japan in 1964 of Professor Kenshiro Abbe, one of the pioneers of Aikido in the UK who spent ten years in Britain and founded the British Aikido Council.
During the ten years Chiba Shihan spent in the UK, he also helped to promote Aikido in Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Holland, Morocco, Spain and Switzerland. In 1970 he was promoted to 6th Dan and awarded the title ‘Shihan’, Master Instructor.
Chiba Shihan returned to Japan in 1976 and on the invitation of the United States Aikido Federation (USAF), he moved to San Diego in 1981 where he formed the San Diego Aikikai and where the Western region of the USAF began operation. He was promoted to 8th Dan in 1994.
The Aikikai of Great Britain underwent many changes and was renamed the British Aikido Federation when Chiba Shihan returned to Japan in 1976. In 1987 after ten years of struggle the United Kingdom Aikikai (UKA) was formed under the guidance of Chiba Shihan out of the British Aikido Federation. Following Chiba Shihan’s resignation from the UKA a group of his senior students came together to form the British Aikikai with Chiba Shihan as its Technical Director in 1995. The BA was initially affiliated directly to the USAF Western Region (www.usafwr.org) and in 1999 became an independent organisation.
In 2000 Chiba Shihan formally founded Birankai International as a non-profit educational organisation dedicated to the growth of Aikido and to bring together all his students throughout the world under one umbrella. In December 2005 the Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan officially recognised Birankai International. Further information on the web-site www.birankai.org.
From January 2006 the British Aikikai was renamed British Birankai in line with the guidelines set out by Birankai International.
British Birankai was given official recognition by Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan in April 2006.
The British Birankai is a member of the British Aikido Board
Aikido
