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The Way of Aikido

Aikido was founded in this century by Morihei Ueshiba. He began training at an early age, attaining mastery of several classical arts including jujitsu and the sword. In Japan Morihei Ueshiba was considered to be the pre-eminent practitioner of martial arts and was undefeated in his lifetime practice of Aikido.

At one point in his training he was enlightened with the concept that the source of martial spirit (Budo) is love and the protection of all beings. In his writings, he stated that "The Art of Peace (Aikido) does not rely on brute force to succeed; instead we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nuture life and prevent death and destruction."

Aikido in the Hudson Valley

Aikido was founded in this century by Morihei Ueshiba. He began training at an early age, attaining mastery of several classical arts including jujitsu and the sword. In Japan Morihei Ueshiba was considered to be the pre-eminent practitioner of martial arts and was undefeated in his lifetime practice of Aikido.

At one point in his training he was enlightened with the concept that the source of martial spirit (Budo) is love and the protection of all beings. In his writings, he stated that "The Art of Peace (Aikido) does not rely on brute force to succeed; instead we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nuture life and prevent death and destruction."

The Art

Aikido is a martial art that releies on circular movement rather than physical strength to resolve conflict. It is more than self-defense in that it embraces the mental, physical, and spriiyual aspects of martial training.

Aikido is based on traditional samurai techniques which have been transformed to create a practice that is harmonious and noncompetitive and a self-defense style which neutralizes the opponent's aggression rather than trying to overcome it. Since Aikio is based on movement and nonviolence, it may be practiced by all. Size, sex, age and athletic ability are all secondary to a correctly executed technique. While a training session can be vigorous workout, it is also energizing, and the pace may be varied depending on the individual.

Chief Instructor

Harvey Konigsberg is a sixth degree black belt with 25 years experience. He is one of the original group of Aikiai practitioners in this country and continues to teach midweek at the New York Aikikai.

Woodstock Aikido classes are held in the Byrdcliffe Barn on Lower Byrdcliffe Road; for more information, call Lowell Miller at 845-679-9166 or Harvey Konigsberg at 845-679-8153. In New Paltz, contact Tim Pettys at 845-255-6312. In Poughkeepsie, call Ted Wolf at 845-471-6971.

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Aikido is a peaceful martial art in which you redirect your enemies attack resulting in a peaceful outcome. In Aikido we apply circular motion to our moves, this really separates Aikido from any martial art. And as we all know O-Sensei "Morihei Ueshiba" formed Aikido from some Samurai techniques and because of that I have links to different sites that everyone would enjoy.

Harvey Konigsberg is a 6th degree black belt and is the head instructor at Woodstock Aikido, my home Dojo. He also teaches midweek at the New York Aikikai. As most of you know Yamada is a Shihan and is the head instructor at the New York Aikikai. He is an 8th degree black belt. Both Yamada and Konigsberg are truly great teachers and I am honored to be taught by both.

Special thanks to Sensei Harvey Konigsberg.

I have prepared some links to other sites containing information on Aikido or Samurai. Try them out!! They are all fascinating.

My year in Japan by David Szyszka

I hope that you found it informing to visit this site. Please note that new links will be appearing for your use soon. Thank you very much for visiting this site.
by David Szyszka

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