Shodokan (Sport) Aikido
Aikido is a defensive martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy and momentum against them, rather than using force to overpower them. Shodokan Aikido, also referred to as Sport Aikido, is a style of Aikido that is used for competitions. The style that was developed emphasizes more free-form randori sparring compared to other styles of aikido. Aikido techniques typically involve throws, joint locks, and pins, and they are designed to redirect an attacker's energy and neutralize their attack.
Aikido class Competitions of Shodokan Aikido consist of tanto randori and toshu randori. In both, the pairs tori and uke are judged based on their kata. Toshu randori, which is performed barehanded, involves both participants performing moves on the other while simultaneously resisting and countering the other's moves.
In tanto randori, one participant is designated as the attacker (tantÅ) and the other is empty-handed and is designated as the defender (toshu). The attacker will use a training knife and perform moves to stab the defender. The defender will use any of the 17 basic aikido moves to throw the attacker. The attacker also attempts to counter the defender's moves by using five other aikido moves. In competitions, both participants switch roles and spend equal time being the attacker and the defender.
Points between 1/2 and 4 are awarded for various moves. The participant with the most points at the end of the fight is the winner.
The Aikido World Championships is a major international competition for the sport that is conducted every two years. The event location alternates between Japan and cities in different countries.
Similar Sports
- Judo — the objective is to throw or takedown the opposing player to the ground.
- Taekwondo — a self-defense discipline that originated in Korea.
- Karate — a martial art developed in Japan that uses punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes, and some open-hand techniques.
- Krav Maga — a martial art system developed in Israel known for its focus on real-world situations and its extreme efficiency.
- Jiu-Jitsu / Jujutsu — a Japanese martial art using close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent, with only a short weapon or none at all.
- Sambo — a martial art developed for Russia's military and police force in the 1930s. The term translates as "self-defense without weapons".
Related Pages
- Aikido is part of Budo, which refers to all styles of modern Japanese martial arts.
- Martial Arts — list of martial arts sports
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
- Sport in Japan
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