The martial art of Aikido has its origins in both spirituality and philosophy. It is also influenced by the Omoto-kyo religion, which was the religion of its founder Morihei Ueshiba.
The word Aikido is derived from three Japanese characters. "Ai" translates to joining; "Ki" means spirit while "Do" means a way. Translated loosely this becomes a way of joining the spirit.
Here in Mindanao, six young Dabawenyos worked hard to train in the discipline. They are the first to collectively aspire for first-degree Dan level. "Dan" in martial arts signifies rank and progress and is symbolized by a black belt.
Felix Lorenzo Sato II, 17, Kevin Joshua Ian Abella, Leandro Victor Arcena, Johndon Edd Magallanes, and Sheldon Walter Wong, all 16, and Nina Margarita Castrillo, 15, are the first and youngest Mindanawons to have undergone year-round aikido training for as many as eight years.
This far eastern martial art focuses on the alignment and the harmonization of a person's body and mind with the spirit. This can only be achieved if a person remains in a relaxed state.
In such a relaxed state nothing is forced so the body of an individual joins the spirit and energy around naturally, everything then becomes one. This certain oneness and the cultivation of relaxation led to this martial art being referred to as the art of peace.
The young black belters were trained by Marielle Sensei who, 10 years ago, attempted to train grade schoolers in aikido, three times a week, all year round. Since then, the philosophy of peace and harmony as envisioned by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba or O Sensei, was taught to the young.
O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects aikido, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. Literally, aikido means "the way of harmony of the Spirit."
They are the first children's group to be trained regularly and consistently for the last eight years. But they remained committed and motivated.
"The black belt symbolizes more diligent study and more hours on the practice mat," Marielle Sensei says. To Graeme Sensei, "[Earning a black belt] is the start of the real journey."
