AIKIDO

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Aikido is a little known Japanese martial art profoundly influenced by a humanistic approach. It was born in the 1920's in Tanabe, central Japan, thanks to the innovative teachings of Morihei Ueshiba. These pictures were taken during practise sessions of various Aikido schools, the Dojo, from autumn 2020 to early summer 2021. Dojo is a Japanese word meaning "place for immersive learning".

Aikido is a synthesis of martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying life energy". According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of Aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness. It is the only martial art that is practised without any form of competition. There are no tournaments, no gold medals to win.

Ueshiba envisioned Aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but as an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation.

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