什么是合气道？What is Aikido?

    合气道又被成为“动中禅”，是源自日本的一种武术，建基于宇宙和谐的哲理。它的创始人为植芝盛平（1883-1969）
亦被成为「开祖」或「大先生」。合气道可以被解译为「调和生命之气与天地之气的方法」。「合」即融合、「气」即东
方概念之生命力，亦指人体内的气息、「道」即途径。合气道是开祖，经过他多年来对多种武术的研究，尤其是各种流派
的柔术，而在1920年代发展的。合气道的哲理亦很受开祖的精神修炼所影响，而开祖是以人类哲理去创建合气道。合气道
不只是一门纯自卫式的武术，因为对开祖而言，真正的胜利不在于能否击败他人，而是能否化解自己内心中的各种冲突与
矛盾。开祖深信「真正的武道是追求和谐之道及对人仁爱，是要与宇宙万物融为一体」。
    合气道祛除了其他武道之中的暴戾之气，是一门非暴力及非竞争性的武术，从不主张力与力的抗衡。当受到攻击时，
一个合气道家会保持其中心，避开对方的气势，并与其攻击力融合为一体，再以和谐流畅的圆弧形动作把对手控制或制服。
合气道是一门既优美又极为有效的武术。它有效之处在于其招式的准确性、对时间距离的掌握及「心、体、神」合一的配
合。因此，使用合气道能轻易以轻柔、和谐及流畅的动作把力气及体型都比自己更强的对手制服。合气道是一门锻炼身心
的武术。它能令身体变得更加强而柔韧，令到四肢及所有关节都得以全面锻炼及应用，并不要求一些不自然的强化身体训
练。合气道，作为一门武术而不是一项运动，秉持着许多传统、道德及宗教的价值观。
    合气道练习能使一个人的性格成为内在的“强韧”，并能变得更加自信、坚强、平和、耐心和宽容。它还有助于培养
出一个敏锐、集中、谦虚、且善于协调的心。透过不断练习，会从中感受及欣赏到合气道的真实意义–不会受任何事物所
影响，并能把持及不失个人的中心。其实，合气道可以被视为生活的一种方式，既可以在垫子上磨练，也可以应用在每日
的生活里。现估计有超过150万人在85个国家练习合气道。

  Aikido is a Japanese form of martial art based on the principles of universal harmony developedby Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969; also known as O'Sensei or Great Teacher). Aikido can be translated as "The Way of Harmony with Ki" (Ai: Harmony, Ki: Eastern concept of life force or breath, Do: TheWay). Aikido was developed by O'Sensei in the 1920s after his years of study in various martial arts, particularly the different forms of Jujutsu and is also much influenced in its philosophy by O'Sensei's spiritual practices. O'Sensei conceived Aikido with a humanistic philosophy. Aikidois much more than simply a method of self-defence, because to O'Sensei, true victory is never justdefeating one's opponents, but the resolution of conflict within oneself. He believed that "Truebudo is the way of great harmony and great love for all beings; it is to be one with
the Universe".
  Aikido is essentially non-violent and non-competitive. Force is never opposed with force. Inhandling an attack, an Aikidoka will maintain centred and move to harmonize with the attacking force,guiding it with flowing circular motions to control and overcome the attacker. A variety of techniques may then be applied,
in the form of locks or throws. Aikido is a graceful yet highly effective form of martial art, drawing its effectiveness from technical precision, timing, distance,and mind-body-spirit coordination. It is therefore possible to defend oneself from an opponent of superior size and strength using soft, smooth and fluid movements.
  Aikido provides excellent training for a strong and flexible body, exercising every limb and joint without demanding unnatural body-building preparations. Being a martial art rather than a sport, it preserves a lot
of traditional, ethical and spiritual values. This cultivates a sharp, calm, focused, yet humble and flexible mind. Through constant training, one will come to appreciate the true heart of Aikido instruction - not to be shaken by anything and not to lose one's centre. In fact, aikido can be viewed as a way of life that can be practised on the mat and put to use in everyday life. Today, it is estimated that Aikido is practised by over 1.5 million people in more than 85 countries around the world.