THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RANDORI SYSTEM FOR AIKIDO

In the early part of this century Morihei Ueshiba (Founder if Aikido) practised AIKI JUJUTSU and from this he derived his original form "AIKI BUJUTSU".  By 1942, "AIKIDO", as it was then to be named, was officially recognised and was know as the way of harmony.

Originally the AIKI JUJUTSU form had no simple learning process and there were many hundreds of techniques many of which were deadly and violent.  Morihei Ueshiba's AIKIDO reduced the number to some 2664 variations on 30 basic movements and using safer techniques.  Students could then repeatedly practice without the fear of permanent injury, but still keeping in mind the origins of the techniques.  Kenji Tomiki, a student of Morihei Ueshiba and like his master he too was an expert in Judo.  He took this a stage further and devised a simpler and more systematic method of teaching Aikido efficiently from the knowledge and correct application of far fewer techniques.  One of his aims was to introduce the element of competition or free-play (Randori), something not previously acknowledged by Aikidoka.  By the mid 1960's he had achieved this and several colleges took part in a competition.  The analogy being similar to that of Judo, which was developed by Kano for younger players with a competitive and sporting element in mind.

The “BUDO MAN” diagram shows the origins and refinements of AIKIDO and how it relates to other disciplines.  It shows how the techniques are grouped and how they overlap with Judo.  Furthermore it highlights the key elements for safe and effective application of Randori.

SOFTNESS / MOVEMENT, BALANCE & POSTURE

(click on image to enlarge)