Unlocking the Secrets of Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu: The Martial Art Behind Aikido

Introduction:

Influences on Aikido:

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, trained extensively under Takeda Sokaku. Daito-Ryu’s principles, such as blending with an opponent’s energy, heavily influenced Aikido’s development.

While both Aikido and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu have a shared lineage, their philosophies and techniques have diverged significantly. Here, we compare and contrast these two martial arts to better understand their similarities and differences.

Philosophy:

Aikido, created by Morihei Ueshiba, places a strong emphasis on non-aggression, harmony, and blending with an opponent’s energy. Its primary goal is to neutralize attacks without causing unnecessary harm. Daito-Ryu, on the other hand, retains its samurai roots, focusing on the practicality and effectiveness of self-defense. This martial art aims to subdue opponents with powerful techniques, making it more aggressive than Aikido.

Techniques:

Aikido’s techniques are characterized by fluid, circular movements that redirect an opponent’s energy. Joint locks and throws are executed with a sense of flow and minimal resistance. In contrast, Daito-Ryu employs a more direct approach, using powerful joint locks, strikes, and throws to neutralize an attacker. Its techniques often involve sudden, explosive movements that can be quite forceful.

Training Methods:

Aikido training typically emphasizes cooperative practice, where partners work together to understand and execute techniques. This approach fosters a sense of mutual growth and understanding. In Daito-Ryu, training can be more intense and demanding, more comparable to the rigorous training found in competitive Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In summary, while Aikido and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu share common origins and some fundamental principles, they have evolved into distinct martial arts.

Aiki in Daito-Ryu:

The kanji for “aiki” (合気) is composed of two characters:

1. 合 (ai): This character means “to join” or “to unite,” signifying harmony or blending.
2. 気 (ki): This character represents “breath,” which is considered the root of the life force that flows through all living things. In traditional Eastern thought, breath is believed to be a vital energy responsible for sustaining life.

In Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu, Aiki refers to the unification of mind, body, and breath, resulting in the development of unusual power. This concept is at the core of the martial art and goes beyond the idea of merely blending with an opponent’s energy. By cultivating aiki, practitioners can generate a potent force that allows them to perform techniques with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

Critics of Modern Aikido:

Many critics of modern Aikido argue that the cultivation of aiki has been lost or diluted in the contemporary practice of the art. They believe that the emphasis on harmony and non-aggression in Aikido has led to a diminished focus on the development of aiki as a source of power. As a result, some assert that Aikido techniques have become less potent and practical for real-life self-defense situations.

“Hidden in Plain Sight” by Ellis Amdur:

Daito-Ryu and Hapkido

“Daito-ryu is recognized as the mother of Hapkido. The founder of Hapkido, Choi Yong-Sool, studied Daito-ryu jiujitsu under Takeda Sokaku in Japan and later combined his learnings with various Korean martial arts and philosophies, creating a new and distinct martial art system. Today, Hapkido practitioners still honor the origins of their art by incorporating the principles and techniques of Daito-ryu in their training.”

Prominent Teachers of Daito-Ryu Today:

Daito-Ryu continues to flourish under the guidance of dedicated teachers. Katsuyuki Kondo, a direct student of Takeda Tokimune, Sokaku’s son, is a well-known figure in the Daito-Ryu community. Other prominent instructors include Seigo Okamoto, the founder of the Roppokai branch, as well as Dan Harden, Howard Popkin, and Roy Goldberg, all leading authorities in the United States.

In 2019, Roy Goldberg participated with the founder of Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan, Grandmaster Sam FS Chin in a short series of joint seminars in NY State.

Comparison to I Liq Chuan:

Basic Exercises:

I Liq Chuan’s basic exercises are designed to help practitioners gain a strong foundation in body awareness and movement. These exercises focus on cultivating mindfulness, proper posture, and alignment. By practicing these fundamental drills, students can improve their balance, fluidity, and overall control over their bodies.

Spinning and Sticky Hands Training:

The spanning and sticky hands training in I Liq Chuan is a distinctive aspect of the art. This practice involves engaging with a training partner in a series of continuous, circular movements designed to develop sensitivity and responsiveness to changes in pressure, direction, and force. Through this close contact, practitioners learn to read and anticipate their partner’s intentions, allowing them to adapt and react effectively in self-defense situations.

The concept of “moa sao” or “grinding hand” highlights the importance of maintaining contact and continuous pressure during this practice. By refining their skills in spinning and sticky hands, I Liq Chuan practitioners can develop a heightened sense of fullness, balance, and sensitivity, which are essential qualities for effective self-defense and martial arts practice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu, a martial art with a rich history, deeply influenced the development of both Aikido and Hapkido, although the arts have since diverged in philosophy and technique. As a result of criticism surrounding Aikido’s potential loss of aiki power, many Aikido practitioners are returning to its mother art, Daito-Ryu, to rediscover the source of Morihei Ueshiba’s exceptional abilities. Today, Daito-Ryu thrives under prominent instructors like Katsuyuki Kondo and Roy Goldberg, and shares some similarities with the Chinese martial art I Liq Chuan. Both arts, with their unique approaches and training methods, continue to offer valuable insights into the world of self-defense and personal growth.

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