Have you been curious about what Aikido is and the benefits it could have on your health and well-being? We recently caught up with Aikido of Maine owner Gary Small to learn more about this form of peaceful martial arts and the studio he co-owns with his wife Ania in Portland.
SG: What is Aikido and how it is similar or different from other martial arts?
GS: Aikido is a Martial art. It is based on systems of Japanese and Chinese martial arts that have existed for ages, so in some ways it is similar to other martial arts. In other ways it is very different. It is a partner practice where the goal is defend to ourselves and bring the conflict to a peaceful resolution. Rather than blocking and counter attacking, it uses the energy of one’s partner to create harmony out of conflict.
SG: I’ve heard Aikido referred to as one of the peaceful martial arts, along with Qigong and Tai Chi. Can you say a little more about how it earned this reputation.
GS: Morehei Ueshiba , Aikido’s founder felt that his art was a means of self development and a practice to preserve and protect society, and bring peace to the world. One of his quotes that I think expresses this well is, “There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within.”
SG: How long have you been teaching Aikido?
GS: I began practicing Aikido over 40 years ago and have been teaching for over 25 years. My wife Ania has been teaching for about 23 years. We opened Aikido of Maine in 2001.
SG: What are your favorite parts of the work that you do?
GS: I love the movement of our practice and I am very lucky that I get to spend my time sharing what I love to do with others. Aikido has the tremendous potential to improve people lives and it is so great to be part of this. I get to work with kids and adults and meet great people all the time!
SG: What is something you wish that everyone knew about Aikido that they may not already know?
GS: Aikido is a great core workout, and it is a practice and path for self development. I think I would like to let people know that we offer intros to make it easy for people to get a good feeling about our dojo and our practice. It is a great way to find community locally and around the world.
Is AIKIDO good for self-defense?