is a martial arts

Martial arts

Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....

 system taught by the Keijutsukai Kokusai Renmei (Keijutsukai International Federation), an independent aikido

Aikido

is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...

 federation based in Tokyo

Tokyo

, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

. It was founded by Thomas H. Makiyama

Thomas H. Makiyama

Thomas H. Makiyama , born in Hawaii, was an aikido teacher and founder of Keijutsukai Aikido and the Keijutsukai International Federation , based in Tokyo...

 in February 1980. In 1999, Keijutsukai Aikido was approved by Temple University Japan for inclusion under the curriculum of the Continuing Education Program.

Style

Keijutsukai Aikido and Keijutsu (a specialized method of defensive tactics for law enforcement personnel), emphasize rational and practical approaches, incorporating the Principle of Compatibility; Circular (marui) and Proper Operational Distance (maai). Movements and techniques are taught to flow naturally without force.

Maai

Maai

, translating simply to "interval", is a Japanese martial arts term referring to the space between two opponents in combat; formally, the "engagement distance". It is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between opponents, but also the time it will take to cross the distance,...

 (Proper Distance) and Marui

Marui

is a Japanese retail company which operates a chain of department stores in Tokyo as well in other major Japanese cities. They are best known for their women's fashion and accessories, which are aimed at the 25–35 age range....

 (Circle) concepts are shared with other Aikido styles. To develop coordination and balance; to control movements with the hips, while maintaining a stabilized center of gravity at the lower half of the body are also important and fundamental concepts.

The techniques consist in throws, locks, and the application of nerve pressure points designed to constantly keep an opponent off-balance and under control.

Statement of purpose

The Keijutsukai states to be "A Totally Independent AIKIDO Fraternity

Friendly society

A friendly society is a mutual association for insurance, pensions or savings and loan-like purposes, or cooperative banking. It is a mutual organization or benefit society composed of a body of people who join together for a common financial or social purpose...

 Devoted To International Friendship And Understanding Through The Medium Of Budō

Budo

is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...

".

Sources

• Frank Paetzold, Wu Shu, Books on Demand GmbH (2003), p 151, ISBN 978-3833001826
• Thomas H Makiyama, The techniques of aikido, Jenkins (1963), ASIN: B0000CLSPM
• Thomas H Makiyama, Keijutsukai Aikido: Japanese Art of Self-defense, Ohara Publications Inc.,U.S. (1998), ISBN 978-0897500920