Weapon Study in American Aikido

Jan. 10, 2002

Slowly, an approach to Aikido which is essentially American is arising among schools in the US and Canada. Various adaptations have been made (such as terminology) which make it easier to learn Aikido by providing a better cultural reference. What of the study of weapons then? Should we abandon a study of the katana and jo in favor of an american weapon?

I believe that we should not. I have been taught that weapons had a powerful, early influence on the creation of Aikido as a distinct art form. O-Sensei was inspired by sword and staff techniques which directly led to the creation and inclusion of certain body techniques in Aikido as a body of practice. Shihonage is an example of this. Study of the sword and staff is an opportunity to experience some of the sources from which Aikido was developed. Indeed, I believe that Aiki-ken, and Aiki-jo are structured to reinforce the study and practice of Aiki-tai-jutsu (body techniques). That being the case, the sword and staff are an essential part of learning Aikido and should be kept as part of the American Aikido tradition, in spite of the fact that these weapons are non culturally native.