Aikido Martial Arts

Originally named 'aiki budo', meaning "the military method of aiki", Japanese Aikido was originally a close combat system having its roots in such earlier methods as the Itto ryu of the sword, the Hozoin ryu of the spear and the Oshikiuchi and Daito ryu of corporal method. In the post World War II era, modern Aikido emerged as a spiritual discipline with its roots in the Shinto sect of Ohmoto, whose function is non combative. The founder of the art, Ueshiba Morihei, called it 'the way of bringing all people together as one family.' This is commendable, but not strictly martial art.

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We believe the correct interpretation of the term "Aikido" to be "the method of empathic engagement." Its function as taught at Tactical Studies includes posture, stance, striking, parrying, blocking, monitoring, tracking, body shifting; locks, holds, pins, takedowns, throws, footwork, maneuver, engagement with innate bodily weapons; with the Japanese sword; with the short staff; and with single and multiple training partners.

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The proper, legal, efficient, systemic use of martial skills requires a thorough curriculum. Samurai officers were required to demonstrate understanding and capability in 'bugei juhappan', the "eighteen martial arts", including such subjects as fortifications, signals, the proper taking, dressing, and presentation of heads for identification, Shogunate law, and the proper forms of ritual suicide. At Tactical Studies, we have reduced the curriculum to six elements of study, training and practice for modern civilians, i.e.: philosophy, policy, logistics, strategy, tactics and skills.