Seikido Philosophy: Self Defense

The Seikido self defense techniques are based mainly upon the Japanese art of Aikido, which was founded by Morihei Ueshiba ("O-Sensei"). Ueshiba was a master of older Judo, Jujutsu, and Aikijutsu before he developed Aikido. Therefore the most sound principles of these foundation arts are contained in Aikido. Many techniques are designed to immobilize and disarm attackers who are armed with weapons such as a knife, sword, club, or staff, as well as releases and take downs from holds and grappling attacks.

Aikido (the way of harmony), was derived from Japanese "Bujutsu" (warrior arts), especially Aiki-Jujutsu. Aikido aims to achieve harmony - with the offender, other persons, the environment, the universe, and yourself. The "Budo" (martial way) of Aikido is defined as "the spirit of loving protection for all beings". Qualities most respected include benevolence, politeness, justice, honour, and loyalty.

Everyone has the right to defend themselves; however, the Seikido practitioner must be guided by ethical motives, with the intent to defend him/herself without hurting others. The student must respect the natural integrity of the opponent's anatomy. With practice, effective self defense becomes possible without the necessity of inflicting serious injury upon an aggressor. True victory is only achieved if no one loses. The Seikido practitioner must be responsible for his/her own safety, those she/he is protecting, and for not inflicting unnecessary damage upon the aggressor.

Ethics of Self Defense

There are basically four levels of ethical behavior in combat:

1. Unprovoked attack with initiative and without provocation, resulting in the injury of death of another person. This is the lowest level and is ethically inexcusable and reprehensible.
2. Provoking an attack by insult or a contemptuous attitude, then injuring the other person when they retaliate. The instigator is responsible for inciting the attack, and there is little ethical difference between this level and the one before.
3. Defending against an unprovoked attack, where the attacker is injured or killed. Because the defender is not responsible for the attack, this is more defensible ethically than levels one or two; however, the result is the same: injury or death of the other person.
4. Controlled defending against an unprovoked attack, where neither attacker nor defender is injured. This is the ultimate ethical level of self defense. It requires not only great skill, but also ethical motives and a sincere desire to defend oneself without hurting others. This is the goal of all true self-defense arts and must become the goal of all Seikido practitioners if they are to rise above their performance of physical techniques.

Part 3: Dojo Etiquette
Part 4: Student Code of Conduct
Part 5: Tenets of Seikido