| Aikido |
| With the appearance of the Contenders supplement for Street Fighter, many new styles became available to the fledgling Bruce Lee, like Aikido. However, here is a little supplementary information to that given in that sourcebook, taken from the Ninja Hero supplement for the HERO system, ICE #501. It is, however, accurate in a historical sense when it comes to aikido. |
Aikido is a Japanese art founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba, and is derived from the earlier aiki-jutsu. The style stresses discipline and a nonviolent attitude. The art, as practiced in combat, concentrates on balance, rhythm, and use of an opponent's force against him. It largely involves redirecting an opponent's energies, especially in throws and takedown maneuvers.
There are no punching or kicking maneuvers in Aikido as it is normally taught today. Such moves are generally a part of the art's ancestor, aiki-jutsu. Some teachers of aikido teach the relationship of the art's maneuvers to the use of blades and the bo (staff). This is normally only taught advanced students.