A dramatic presentation by the Northern Illinois Aikikai group Wednesday at the Office of Campus Recreation offered some insight to those interested in self-defense and self-improvement.

At first, one will notice the uniforms (or keiko gi) worn by the members and might think of karate and expect to see some bone-breaking physical combat, but that will never happen in Aikido.

Martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement, but Aikido is different from other martial arts because the practioner seeks to achieve self-defense without injury to attackers.

While observing the members, as they quickly move about, darting around one another in a rapid fashion, one immediately notices their temperament; they are (at one time) controlled, aware and confident of themselves and their environment.

Awareness is an important issue stressed when training Aikido, especially to newcomers. When you are aware of your immediate surroundings, you are in greater control of the situation.

Brian Green, Sensei to the Aikido group, said, “When I walk down the street, I am very aware of my own place and surroundings. Aikido also can teach a person to walk in public without an intimidated, fearful appearance.”

“That look of vulnerability is what attracts a violent offender,” Green added.

Remaining calm also is a crucial element one must learn to control before learning the early movements of Aikido.

The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature; most attacks are linear. The Aikidoist harmonizes with, rather than confronts, an aggressive line and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless.

Then, instead of using potentially crippling kicks or punches, the Aikidoist trains to apply various wrist locks, arm pins or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury.

Green said Aikido is the better route to defense because if you are accosted by an attacker, you avoid bringing greater danger into an already heated situation.

“If you are going to carry a weapon of some sort, say mace or a gun, you better be willing to use it because if you don’t, the attacker surely will,” Green added.

Aikido can be beneficial to all people because it offers practical self-defense, but more importantly, it teaches self-improvement.

One will not only improve his or her physical conditioning, stamina, balance, flexibility, coordination, strength and resilience, but also mental conditioning and self-confidence, concentration, alertness and concern for others.

The study of Aikido also emphasizes proper etiquette, attitude and behavior in everyday living.

Because Aikido does not depend on physical strength, it is especially attractive to women, children and older people. The young, healthy and strong can continue to practice well into old age.

Aikido is the newest of the traditional Asian martial arts and holds the most modern outlook. For more information contact Brian Green at 748-9760.