Aikido The essence of Aikido technique is spherical motion around a stable and energized center. Even when the direction of movement appears linear, close observation will reveal the Aikidoist's movements are in fact circular - and it is this circularity that gives Aikido techniques much of their power. Body movements must be logical and effective because they are natural, accurate, and agile. Properly executed, certain techniques send an opponent tumbling through the air, while other techniques are very deft, adroit movements that quickly neutralize an opponent. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, lead, momentum, gravity (no longer a force to overcome), and a combination of centrifugal and centripetal forces. The student ultimately looks to develop the skill that will control the attacker by using the attacker's own weight and momentum. The results of training are many, but increased stamina, flexibility, muscle development, and a positive attitude - to name a few - occur quite naturally over a period of time. The techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness (which means that Aikido can be practiced by men, women, and children of all ages). Perhaps the most common goal of Aikido is personal development and the creation of integrated human beings. The focus of training is very simple: constant repetition of the moves to master the fundamentals of balance, timing, breathing, and movement. Aikidoka train hard to be able to capture an opponent's action and redirect it with powerful, yet efficient techniques, all-the-while remaining poised and centered. Relaxation comes from confidence. By learning to settle one's weight at the physiological center of the body - an area 2 inches below the navel (also known as the hara, or abdomen) - a relaxed posture can be maintained throughout the defensive move and through life in general. The effects of learning to center or calm oneself are mental as well as physical. Vitality will increase, the senses become fine tuned, stress is relieved, and one is less affected by daily annoyances. Your persona will become that of a confident, capable, duty-minded individual with a new found self-respect. Also, training helps us to come to a combative state-of-mind in a moments notice, which is what we must do so as to not allow the attacker an opening. Nihon Goshin Aikido Nihon Goshin Aikido is a dynamic form of close-quarter combat developed by Shodo Morita of Hokkaido, Japan. Morita Sensei's primary teacher was Yoshiro Kitaro Sensei who instructed Morita in Daito-Ryu Jujutsu as well as the Kitaro family's own Jujutsu style. Morita Sensei was also fortunate to train in several other forms of Japanese martial arts including karate, judo, and Aikido. His decision to form one complete and well-rounded art came from his conclusion that no single art in itself was absolutely and completely effective under all conditions. Thus he took what he felt were the best techniques from his repertoire and formed the system today know as Nihon Goshin Aikido. The Aikido School of Self-Defense of Greenville also teaches a rare and versatile style of Japanese swordsmanship known as Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido. This traditional style of swordsmanship comes to us by way of Greg Huff Sensei 7th dan Renshi.