Aikido of Tamalpais

Aikido: "The way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe"

Aikido is the most recent and fastest growing of the major martial arts. Descended from the Japanese samurai tradition, it is a radical reformulation of that tradition, seeking not victory over others in battle but reconciliation, harmony, and, in its founder's words, "the loving protection of all beings."

This art of peace was developed in the 20th century by Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Master Ueshiba spent many years studying the Japanese arts of sword, spear, staff, and Daito-ryu jujutsu, which later became the foundations of aikido movements. Ueshiba was deeply concerned with matters of the spirit. "True martial art," he said, "is a work of love. . . . Love is the guardian deity of everything. Aikido is the realization of love." For founding and developing aikido, Morihei Ueshiba received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Japan's most highly esteemed award.

As a martial art, aikido aims at neutralizing an attacker's energy rather than inflicting harm. Typically, the aikidoist moves toward the attacker and slightly off the line of attack, turning so as to blend, become one with, the attacker's energy. From this position, many outcomes are possible. The aggressor can be thrown to the ground or held in a neutralizing joint-lock. The aikidoist is taught to use a minimum of force and always to seek reconciliation. When properly used, aikido is an exemplary self-defense form, and the masters of the art are among the finest martial artists in the world.

Still, aikido is much more than a physical art. It is a way of life that teaches the mind-body-spirit principles of grounding, centering, relaxing, blending, timing, intuition, and positive ki flow. New students can soon experience aikido informing almost every aspect of their lives. Sincerely and patiently practicing the art can result in increased physical, mental, and emotional balance, alertness, and calmness, as well as greater harmony with self, others, and the natural world.

George Leonard and Wendy Palmer are co-owners and chief instructors of Aikido of Tamalpais, located at 76 East Blithedale, Mill Valley, CA 94941, 415-383-9474. Both hold 5th degree black belts in the art. This aikido school (dojo) is privileged to trace its lineage directly back to the founder through its affiliation with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba, headed by master teacher Mitsugi Saotome, who apprenticed with Morihei Ueshiba for fifteen years before moving to the U.S., and is one of the world's premiere martial artists.

There has always been a close connection between ITP and aikido. The original experimental class in ITP was jointly sponsored by Aikido of Tamalpais and the Esalen Institute and met once a week in the Tam dojo. The continuation of that class still meets there at 8 a.m. every Saturday morning. George Leonard's new book, The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei, was published in June 1999. In this book, Leonard tells how the aikido philosophy can be applied to every aspect of your life, whether or not you practice the physical art.

Aikido of Tamalpais