MORIHEI UESHIBA SENSEI:
FOUNDER OF AIKIDO
"It is sincerity!
First cultivate sincerity with all your heart. So realize this truth.
The World of Reality and the World of Appearance are One."
O-Sensei (Founder of Aikido)
As a boy, Ueshiba devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and
eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of
mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. He
complemented his impressive physical and martial capabilities with a
strong spiritual development.
O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing
great weight on the development of harmony and peace. By combining his
martial art training with his spiritual thought, Master Ueshiba created
a non violent but effective martial art that focuses on blending with
oneself, with one's partners and with the universe.
AIKIKAI
STYLE OF AIKIDO
There are many styles of Aikido. The Fredericton Aikido Dojo practices
the Aikikai style. This is 'classical' Aikido as taught by the Ueshiba
family. Today it is governed by the Aikikai Foundation which is run by O
Sensei's grandson. There are several different organizations which teach
this style of Aikido such as the United States Aikido Federation and the
Canadian Aikido Federation.
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTION
The Fredericton Aikido Dojo is a member of the Canadian Aikido
Federation. It is affiliated with Massimo di Villadorata
of Montreal Aikikai, and through him to Yoshimitzu Yamada Sensei of New
York Aikikai, a direct student of O'Sensei. Classes are available for
both children and adults.
Massimo di Villadorata
Massimo di Villadorata has been my Aikido teacher for over 12 years. Settled in Québec since 1967, Massimo Sensei was introduced to Aikido in Italy, his country of origin. There, he had the privilege to assist Tada and Kawamukai Sensies who were sent to Italy by Master Ueshiba himself.
Thirty-five years ago, he founded the Montreal Aikikai, the first aikido dojo in Canada, from which many leading Quebec aikidokas originated. Holder of a master’s degree in Education, acupuncturist and committed aikidoka, Massimo di Villadorata is an expert in the art of reconciling East and West, making oriental lore accessible to Westerners.
Massimo di Villadorata's latest book:
L'Esprit de l'Aikido (The Spirit of Aikido)
Aikido
is a martial art that teaches us how to resolve conflict nonviolently.
Instead of using force against force, we learn how to avoid attacks and
unbalance adversaries, controlling them without injuring them.
To apply this strategy effectively, you have to develop a state of mind that makes it possible to use the vital energy that circulates through our bodies called Ki.
This book, at present only available in French, explores The Spirit of Aikido which is essential to understanding the art.
L'Esprit de l'Aikido: Montréal: Les éditions de l'homme, 1998. ISBN 2-7619-1457-0