CHENNAI: Have you ever heard of a martial art that seeks not to hurt one's opponent, but simply disarm him by controlling his actions? 'Aikido' or "way of harmonious spirit" as is its English translation probably sounds new to most. But Chennai's first Aikido Club was started two years ago. Twenty-members strong and rising, AS Krishnamurthy, chairman, Chennai Aikido Club, says, "This martial art is doing very well in Chennai. Actually, this is the first Aikido club in South India." At a recent demonstation on Tuesday at the JJ Stadium in Kilpauk, the students and their master Sensei M Otsuka impressed the audience with a showcase of skilled moves – ranging from Front Fall Down (Maie Ukme), Knee Walk (Kiza) and tackling an opponent with a knife or long wooden stick (Jo). The kids were especially enthusiastic with all the action. Asked about the classes, 11-year-old Sujay was all smiles and said, "It's a lot of fun, I've learnt karate before so I'm used to it." He went on with a hint of expertise, "We have to learn lots of katas (exercise routines) properly." The club has both school-goers and adults, reveals Krishnamurthy. He says, "Our youngest members are two kids in Class II."The demonstration was held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Japan-India diplomatic relations, and hosted Tokyo-based Aikido Masters, Shihan H Fujimaki and Sensei T Hino Takayuki Kitigawa, Acting Consul-General of Japan. The Consul General recalled, "I used to learn Judo in school, which is similar to Aikido. They have the same origins." Kitigawa stated, "We give this Aikido Club all our support as part of the 60th year celebrations." Later, he spilled a pleasant surprise. "Did you know that Karate originated from Kancheepuram?" No kidding. Also present during the occasion was K Muthukaruppan, Additional Director General of Police.With more events planned in the coming months, it seems that this art of defence is all set to take off in the city. Krishnamurthy states, "We will have a seminar on Aikido on March 8 (World Women's Day) and a belt function for our members on March 11."
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