Aikido Associations
The followers of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, developed Aikido further. However, a lot of different styles resulted: Aikikai is the largest association in the world. Shinki Rengo belongs to it, too. In addition there are e. g. Yoshinkan, Tendoryu or the German Aikido association (Deutscher Aikido-Bund, DAB). Our association practices Shinki Rengo and was formerly in the DAB association.Below, two styles are described in more detail which are related to our club.
Shinki-Rengo
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Michael Daishiro Nakajima |
Shinki-Rengo is a federation of Aikido clubs. Besides applying typical dynamic flowing movements of Aikido, they orientate on 'Shinki', too. Shin-Ki may be translated as godly Ki, which goes back to the religious attitude of Morihei Ueshiba. Shinki does not mean physical energy, but power of love which creates life. In the western Christian world this would correspond to the Holy Ghost. Therefore, meditation is more pronounced in Shinki-Rengo.
Shinki-Rengo as an independent style was founded in 1983 by Michael Daishiro Nakajima after his separation from Tendoryu Aikido. It is affiliated to the Aikikai-Honbu-Dojo in Japan.
A quotation of Michael Daishiro Nakajima explains Shinki-Rengo and its separation to other Aikido styles:
'In technical sense we follow the development of our master Morihei Ueshiba. Thereby, we consider both the fighting precision of the pre-war period and the dynamic movements of the post-war period. We avoid unnecessary angularness and brutality as well as dreamful dancing. We integrate other martial arts, too, and try to control them. However, we use them sparingly in order not to loose orientation and freedom. We do not forget the hard reality of violence in our world, but aspire after non-violence and harmony. As a result, the competition and separation on the one hand between Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu and Aikido and on the other hand between the pre-war Aikido and the post-war Aikido does not play a role for us. Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu as well as pre-war Aikido are elements of 'Aikido Shinki Rengo', even when we aim at soft movements fulfilled with Ki.'
Deutscher Aikido-Bund (DAB)
The German Aikido association (Deutscher Aikido-Bund, DAB) follows the teachings of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. It was founded in the year 1977 by Rolf Brand, formerly with the Aikido section of the Judo association. The DAB is a independent professional association free from external influence. It is recognized by the German Olympic association (Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund, DOSB).