Aikido unifies body, heart

A kindness of heart expressed through unification of martial art technique, body and heart is the aim of Aikido, one of the many unique organizations on the IU campus. \nThe goal of Aikido, according to the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba training manual, is not perfection of incorporated skills, but rather to improve one's character according to the rules of nature. Aikido movement maintains a firm and stable center and involves motions that are smooth, soft and circular in nature, but with applied force Akido can be extremely effective in defending one's self. This combination of gentle yet efficient movements is what makes it appealing to men and women of all ages. \nAikido is a fairly new martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba in the 1920s, and officially recognized by the Japanese government in 1940. Aikido first came to Bloomington in 1986 when George Bevins and Joe Kaposta started the Indiana Aikikai. In February 1987, the Aikido Club became a sports club at IU. It is currently in the Recreational Sports organization. \nThe club is headed by chief instructor Laura Knudsen, who started her Aikido experience at IU in 1987, along with associate instructors David Villaneva and Shawn Waggener. They hold practices year round from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Practices are held at the Dojo location (meaning "place where we learn"), which is located in HPER 293A, commonly referred to as "the fort." Beginners are welcome at any class to watch and see if they are interested in joining. \nAikido Club vice president, sophomore Matt Headley, said the club is great for beginners.\n"It's not hard the way that (the instructors) teach it. You practice what you feel capable of doing; that's why it's great for beginners," Headley said. \nIn practice, students typically go through several different practice routines that involve hand techniques, throws, roll-outs and even certain types of weapons such as swords, spears and knives. Spirituality is also a big part of Aikido. Traditionally, the words spoken at the beginning of a practice are, "Onegai shimasu," which means, "please give me your instruction." The words spoken at the end are, "Domo arigato gozaimashita," which means, "you have my respect and gratitude for what you have just done." \n"Aikido is a form of martial arts that focuses on using attacks and redirecting energy in order to defend yourself," Knudsen said. \nRanks are measured by kuys and dans. To pass an initial test or to advance in rank, students must show they have learned the required skills and also exhibit the basic martial arts philosophy of respect and improvement. A certain amount of time must pass before a student can take the test to go on to the next level. \nThe only cost involved is a $25 membership fee for each of the fall and spring semesters. Membership during the summer is free, and the club has equipment available for student use. There are currently around 40 members. \nThe club's most recent events include a demonstration at the diversity fair in the Main Library on Jan. 13, and participating in Stuart Hyatt's multimedia presentation called "Eight Step Revival" held at IU on Jan. 17. On March 8, a seminar will be led by highly ranked female instructor Wendy Whited Sensei. \n"Aikido is a very good way to make you feel better about yourself, since it involves strength, coordination, flexibility and learning to defend yourself. There's such a sense of camaraderie. It's a really friendly group, and we do a lot of things together outside of the Dojo," said Aikido public relations officer, graduate student Melissa Kocias.\nHPER also offers a one-credit Aikido class in both the fall and spring semesters preparing students to take their first belt test.