Align with the universe

If it's a combination of meditation and workout that you desire, aikido could just be the right form of exercise for you. A unique, contemporary Japanese martial arts form, it is an effective form of self-defense.

At the same time, aikido also nurtures the inner strength and spiritual side of an individual. To put it simply, it focuses and enhances the body, mind and spirit.

Meaning: "Aikido" stems from three Japanese characters. The first two characters that comprise the word "aiki" or "ai" mean "to come together, to blend, to join", while "ki" refers to "life force" or "spirit." "Do," the third character in the word, means "path" or "way". Thus, aikido can be translated as "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe".

Benefits: What's good about this exercise form is that it is flexible enough to allow every individual to participate and learn from it. Which is why, people from all walks of life practice aikido, including the elderly and even physically challenged, besides those from all other walks of life.

Professional dancers have benefited from aikido moves while corporates have found it a good technique to not just tone muscles but also meditate.

Despite being a martial arts form, aikido doesn't emphasise on punches and kicks alone. It teaches you how to control the movements of even your opponents and accentuates the overall, circular movements of the entire body. Regular practice stretches the body, improves circulation and helps to coordinate one's breathing with balanced, harmonious movement.

This early 20th century martial arts form (a mix of several traditional Japanese fighting arts) is catching on in Indian metros, and is being taught at various centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. For more information, or to find the centre closest to you, check out the website www.aikikaiindia.com.