Aikikai Aikido (Exclusive)
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Limited to those of Honorable Alignments. No Attribute requirements.
Skill Cost: 15 Years

Aikido was created in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Originally called "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi," Ueshiba changed the name of his style to "Aikido" in 1942. Drawing upon his training in Daito Ryu Aikijustu, kendo/kenjutsu, several varieties of jujutsu, and sojutsu, Ueshiba combined many of the techniques of these styles, along with some of his own creation to develop the style. Ueshiba felt that there could be an art designed to control one's ambitions and desires along with martial training, so he immersed himself in religious studies and developed a philosophy devoted to a universal socio-political harmony. By incorporating these principles into his martial art, Ueshiba developed many facets of aikido in concert with this philosophical and religious ideology. This allowed him to present aikido as a vehicle toward enlightenment. Ueshiba is considered "O-Sensei" by all aikidoka (practitioners of aikido). Aikikai is the common name for the 'classical' style headed by Moriteru Ueshiba, O Sensei's grandson, as taught under the auspices of the International Aikido Federation. Also known as Hombu (which actually means headquarters), most regard this school as the mainline in Aikido development. Today the Aikikai Foundation that is run by O Sensei's son, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

Aikido uses throws and joint locks from jujutsu and combines these techniques with a sharpness of body movement derived from kenjutsu combined with flexibility and smoothness derived from jojutsu. Striking is learned, though not often utilized. This is done primarily for safety during training, yet it is taught so that the aikidoka can apply striking techniques effectively. Techniques are also taught in a systematic manner with students learning both attack and defense. In the Aikido arts you learn how to take rolls and falls safely as well as how to throw and perform joint lock techniques. Basic techniques are used for testing but literally hundreds of moves are possible. Yet for all it's martial devotion, Aikido is not exclusively a combat system, but instead a method of self-improvement. The goal of Aikido is not to learn how to defeat others, but rather, to defeat one's own negative qualities. By doing so, this style emphasizes the art of counter-attack because the number of possible counters contained in the technical methods of evading an attack, weakening its extended force, and subjugating the attacker through a projection, a blow, or immobilization are interminable. Toward this end, the aikidoka uses Simultaneous Attacks, Automatic Body Flip/Throws, and Automatic Holds/Locks against striking attacks and uses reversals against grappling attacks.

Weapons training in Aikido can include the jo (staff), tanto (knife), and bokken (sword); the three principal weapons used in aikido. However, while the goal of aikido is not primarily to learn how to use weapons, there are several reasons for weapons training in aikido. Since many of the techniques in Aikido are derived from weapon styles, many of the strikes as well as defense against weapons are taught. In addition, the use of weapons develops the aikidoka's distancing, timing, principles governing lines of attack and defense, principles of movement and technique, and also cultivates a kind of responsiveness and sensitivity to the movements and actions of others within a format that is usually highly structured, allowing for easier focus of cognitive development.

In addition to physical techniques, Aikido stresses self-discipline, observation and modification of both psychological and physical responses. Aikido training emphasizes proper etiquette at all times to facilitate psychological responses, social courtesy, and cooperative training. Techniques in aikido are learned through observation (of demonstration of techniques and self-observation in regards to self-discipline) and through cooperative enterprise. Aikidoka learn to cooperate by practicing techniques with a partner, not an opponent. The training is highly idealized and stylized initially, allowing aikidoka to learn the basic patterns of movement. At advanced levels, the practitioner increases the power and speed of attacks which teaches the student to adapt the basic strategies of aikido movement to a broader variety of attacks.

In reality, Aikikai is more of an umbrella than a specific style, since it is taught in a different manner by the many individuals within the organization. Ueshiba Sensei teaches Aikikai in a generally large and flowing manner, with an emphasis on a standard techniques and little or no emphasis on weapons training. Other teachers within the organization place much more emphasis on weapons practice.

Costume: The primary costume of the aikidoka is the Keiko gi/do gi/gi or Practice uniform. This is further supplmented through wearing Hakama (a Split skirt/wide legged pants). Additional costume features include a Tenugui (small hand cloth to wipe face which is also worn under the helmet in sword practice), Embu Gi (demonstration uniform), Montsuki (wide sleaved top with mon(family crest) on chest, sleeve and back), Uwa gi (practice top), Obi (typically white or black belt), ZEkken (chest patch embroidered with own name and dojo name) and Tabi (split-toed sock-slippers) for wear inside the dojo and Zori (sandals) for use outside the dojo.
Stance: Aikido's standard position is the Shizentai Gamae, a natural stance that can be facing either right or left. In right stance, the feet are a shoulder's width apart, right foot facing forward, left foot pointing left, right arm loosely extended at chest level, left arm a hand's width from the body, hands extended loosely with all fingers separated.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +2 to M.E.
Add +2 to M.A.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +10 to Chi
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 2
Escape Moves: Breakfall, Roll With Punch/Fall/Impact.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Circular Parry, Disarm.
Hand Attacks: Knife Hand Knock-Out.
Basic Foot Attacks: None.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Automatic Flip/Lock (New!), Automatic Flip/Throw, Choke, Combination Grab/Face Punch (New!), Critical Flip/Throw, Entering Throw (New!, Hip Throw (New!), Reverse Hold/Throw (New!).
Holds/Locks: Automatic Finger Lock, Automatic Wrist Lock, Automatic Elbow Lock.
Weapon Kata: None.
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: Select a total of TWO (2) Martial Art Powers from among Atemi and Martial Art Techniques or Weapon Kata from W.P. Jo (staff), Tanto (knife), and Bokken (blunt sword, uses W.P. Blunt). If desired, any number of Martial Art Powers can be traded, on a one-for-one basis, for Basic Skill Programs (excluding Physical).
Languages: Japanese
Cultural(Pick Two): Bonsai, Calligraphy, Go, Haiku, Ikebana, or Ukio-e.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Jo (staff), Tanto (knife), and Bokken (blunt sword, uses W.P. Blunt).
Philosophical Training: While there is no unified philosophy of Aikido, many aikidoka share a loose collection of metaphysical, ethical, and religious beliefs commonly transmitted by word of mouth. Ueshiba himself was an adherent to on quasi-new religion, called Omotokyo. Omotokyo is comprised partly of neo-shintoism and partly of socio-political ideology. The goal of this philosophy is the unification of all humanity in a single, "heavenly kingdom on earth" where all religions are united under the aegis of Omotokyo.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Aiki-Buken (5 Years), Itto Ryu (3 Years), Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage Ryu (3 Years), Kasumi Shinto Ryu (2 Years), Kendo (3 Years), Kokikai Aikido (4 Years), Kurama Ryu (5 Years), Muso Jukiden Eishin Ryu (5 Years), Muso Shinden Ryu (5 Years), Seidokan Aikido (6 Years), Shinmuso Hayashizaki Ryu (5 Years), Suio Ryu (4 Years), Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu (4 Years), Tomiki Ryu Aikido (3 Years), Yoseikan Aikido (5 Years), Yoshinkan Aikido (5 Years), Yoshokai Aikido (5 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Breakfall, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
2nd: +2 to Throw (Throws do an extra die of damage for a total of two dice of damage).
3rd: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Atemi, Chi Mastery, Martial Art Techniques, or Weapon Katas from W.P. Jo (staff), Tanto (knife), and Bokken (blunt sword, uses W.P. Blunt).
4th: +1 Attack per Melee, +1 to Disarm.
5th: Critical Body Flip/Throw on a Natural 18, 19, or 20.
6th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Atemi, Chi Mastery, Martial Art Techniques, or Weapon Katas from W.P. Jo (staff), Tanto (knife), and Bokken (blunt sword, uses W.P. Blunt).
7th: +2 to Throw, +1 to Disarm.
8th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Breakfall, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
9th: +1 Attack per Melee.
10th: +2 to Throw.
11th: +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, +1 to Disarm.
12th: Select One (1) Additional Martial Art Power from Atemi, Chi Mastery, Martial Art Techniques, or Weapon Katas from W.P. Jo (staff), Tanto (knife), and Bokken (blunt sword, uses W.P. Blunt).
13th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Breakfall, +1 to Disarm.
14th: +2 to Throw (Throws do an extra die of damage for a total of three dice of damage).
15th: Select One (1) Zenjorike Power.
Why Study Aikikai Aikido?
As a self-defense art, Aikido can't be beat. It's good against an unlimited number of Multiple Attackers, can operate in Close Combat and comes with a fair number of Martial Art Powers. The main disadvantage is that it's totally defensive; there's not much you can do unless someone actually attacks you.