“The Art of Peace is a celebration of the bonding between heaven, earth and humankind. It is all that is true, good and beautiful.” Morihei Ueshiba
1. Integral Education: the purpose of Aikido, as martial art, is the integral education of the human being. The development of a healthy, focused, relaxed and connected body; that houses a heart full of fertile seeds, waiting to germinate. A clear and serene mind that favours the refining of the spirit and the connection with the whole.
2. Freedom, trust and respect: freedom can be experienced by flowing with a circular and continuous movement like the orbits of the stars; confidence in having a heart that can house enemies, since a free being cannot be damaged. Respect takes different forms in the virtues of the ancient samurai. Self respect, honorability; respect for others, courtesy and benevolence; and respect for the environment, justice and honesty.
3. Connection with life: in the words of O’Sensei,“those who practice the Art of Peace must protect the domain of Mother Nature, the divine reflection of creation, and keep it lovely and fresh. Warriorship gives birth to natural beauty. The subtle techniques of a warrior arise as naturally as the appearance of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains all life”.
4. Community and service to others: Aikido works from cooperation, non-resistance; it is not a fighting technique, but a way to find peace in your own life, reconcile the world and make humanity a great family.
