The Benefits of Learning Aikido (According to Morihei Ueshiba)

There's no denying that  Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) is one of the world's great martial artists that has ever lived on the planet. An ultimate pacifist, Ueshiba Sensei has devoted his life teaching a martial art that reveres peace and camaraderie, instead of brutal fighting and defending. And that particular martial is now known in the world as Aikido - the Art of Peace.

Today, we will be sharing three quotes from the Great Sensei himself that will encourage you to learn Aikido:

“When someone comes in anger, greet him with a smile. This is the highest kind of martial art.”
Unlike other types of martial arts, the goal of Aikido is to make friends with your opponent. Ueshiba believed that defeating an opponent by using greater physical strength will not solve the problem but only increase the aggression and desire for revenge. To be able to achieve that, students of Aikido are taught to engage with their opponents in a way that will make them lose their hostility against you. So when learning Aikido, rest assured that you aren't only learning traditional techniques from the great Samurais, you are also learning the arts of making friends.

“A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing.”
When it comes to learning Aikido, students are not tolerated to engage in fights, contests, or competitions. And this is basically the reason why this martial art is suitable for children and women since it does not require strenuous activities. With Aikido, the only competition you have is yourself. You are encouraged to improve your skills and techniques and be the best in everything that you do.

“To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.”
Aikido, in a general sense, is a self-defense martial art. But instead of teaching people how to attack opponents directly, aikido uses a technique that would redirect the force of an assault, and disarm an opponent while making sure that you aren't causing permanent injury.

If you want to learn more about Aikido, Wellesley Martial Arts Center has several qualified teachers who can mold you to become closer to the teachings of Ueshiba Sensei. Enroll now!