Aikido
is a non-violent, non-competitive Japanese martial art of
self-defense. Its profound philosophy of non-violence, of
respect for life, of self-control and self-discipline, makes
aikido one of the most perfect systems of self-defense.
Through
practice, students acquire not only physical skills, but also
the capacity to maintain equanimity and tranquility in situations
of crisis and stress in any area of their lives, whether it
be at home, at work, or on the street.
Because aikido is non-competitive, it may be practiced equally
well by men and women throughout their lives
Aikido is not only a system of self-defense, but a means towards
the education and formation of oneself. It is a way of life.
TheAikido
Institute of New Mexico is renowned for its high level of
Aikido throughout the United States. Its teaching
staff is made up of certified and high-ranking
instructors, under the technical direction of Pablo Vázquez Shihan (6th degree master
teacher) and led by Chief Instructor Terri Teshiba Shihan (6th
degree).
In
November 2006,
Vázquez Shihan traveled to Hombu Dojo, Japan, along with
the other Shihans of Birankai International, and received
official certification from Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the
grandson of the founder of Aikido, and the current head of
the Hombu Dojo (Headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan. This
historical event was the first occasion that an honor of
this type had ever been bestowed
upon American Shihans.
In
June 2009, Vazquez Shihan was released from his tutelage
under T. K. Chiba Shihan of Birankai International, having
reached the highest level of learning possible under his
former teacher. With Chiba Shihan's encouragement and
blessing, he has set out on a new path to forge his own way
of continuous training and research into this beautiful and
strong art form.
