日本の武道紹介 -Japanese Traditionl ｍａｒｔｉａｌ　ａｒｔ-

合気道___________________________________________________

合気道は、開祖植芝盛平（１８８３〜１９６９）が日本伝統の武術の奥義を究め、さらに厳しい精神修行を経て発展させた現代武道です。合気道は相手といたずらに力で争いません。入身と転換の体捌きから生まれる技は、相手の暴力を制するもので相手の生命を殺傷したりしません。人間生命の尊重がうたわれる現代にふさわしい武道といえるでしょう。合気道が「和」の武道といわれる所以もここにあります。

Aikido is a Budo (martial art) created by Morihei Ueshiba. After the Founder's passing in 1969, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu. At present, Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder, has succeeded his father as Aikido Doshu. The Aikikai Foundation, officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, was founded in order to preserve and promote the ideals of the true Aikido created by the Founder. As the Aikido World Headquarters, it is the parent organization for the development and expansion of Aikido throughout the world.　A pure budo comes with the unification of technique, body and heart. The budo, which will manifest itself, does not depend upon the technique, but rather upon the heart of the practitioner. The aim of Aikido is a kindness of heart expressed through this spirit of budo. Here are some thoughts on the spirit of Aikido.

Aiki is love.
Budo is the path of the warrior. Combined with the spirit of heaven and earth in your heart, you can fulfill your life's destiny with unconditional love for everything.
Aiki seeks to skillfully strike down the ego and inherent insincerity in battling an enemy. Aiki is the path of forgiveness and enlightenment. The martial techniques provide discipline for the journey of uniting the spirit and the body through channeling the laws of heaven.

The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature. One becomes "resilient" inside yet this strength is expressed softly. Movements found in nature are efficient, rational, and soft,while the center is immovable, firm, and stable. This principal of a firm center is universally consistent -- and must be true for each person. The culmination of Aikido is expressed by aligning one's center with the center expressed throughout nature.

Aikido movement maintains this firm and stable center with an emphasis on spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular, dance-like motions. These pivoting, entering and circling motions are used to control and overcome the opponent. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible to defend one self from an opponent of superior size, strength, and experience.

Although Aikido movements are soft, rational, and smooth as in nature, by applying a bit of force,these can become devastatingly effective. The gentle quality of Aikido makes it appealing to men and women and children regardless of age. It not only offers spiritual development but also provides exercise and teaches proper etiquette and behavior.

At the heart of Aikido is the Eastern concept of Ki --the universal creative principle. Aikido seeks to unite this universal Ki with the Ki (life force or breath) found within each person. Literally, Aikido translates as "the way of harmony with Ki".

合気道の特色は競技を行わないことです。お互いの習熟度にあわせて技を繰り返し稽古し、心身の練成を図ることを目的としています。また、合気道は日本国内にとどまらず、世界的広がりを見せています。合気道の海外普及は1950年代から始まり、2006年現在、約85カ国において支部道場が開設されています。グアムでは、峰岸睦子師範がグアム合気会（ＧＵＡＭ　ＡＩＫＩＫＡＩ）道場で子供から大人まで多数の生徒さんに合気道を指導しています。

Aikido is now a worldwide known Budo. In Guam, Instructor Minegishi teaches Aikido at her dojo (GUAM AIKIKAI).

3月29日より5日間の日程で大阪府豊中市正泉寺住職で、合気道7段の嶋本勝行師範がグアム合気道会に来られました。嶋本師範は、69歳でありながら、その姿は他を圧倒するような存在感のある方でした。また、グアムにおられた5日間、毎日、グアム合気会で指導をしてくださいました。嶋本師範はＮＨＫ朝の連続ドラマ「まんてん」出演者の合気道演技指導もなさったことで有名です。

From March 29th to April 2nd, Instructor Shimamoto from Osaka, Japan visited Guam AIKIKAI. He tought students a spirit of Aikido which is to love, respect and harmonize with others. His spirit tought in his precious classes inspired all the students of Guam Aikikai.

右：峰岸師範 左：嶋本師範　Right:Instructor Minegishi Left:InstructorShimamoto　

稽古の前に受身の練習をする　Students warm up before learning technique.

嶋本師範より合気道の「和」について指導を受ける　Learning Harmony of AIKIDO

グアム合気道会　子供のクラス Children class

グアム合気道会　大人のクラス Adult class