Publication details
Kalokagathia from Aikido Point of View
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Kalokagathia (goddess) was the spirit (daimona) of nobility and good. She was associated with Areté (Virtue) and Eukleia (Excellence). Europeans are descendants of ancient Greek philosophy. Therefore, there is a natural tendency to see Japanese martial arts through the prism of European culture. We are focusing on kalokagathia from aikido point of view. Aikido is known as a martial art with deep philosophical roots. Its aim is to lead people to find their own peaceful way to share the Earth and the whole Universe in harmony and love with other (human) beings. Aikido kaiso (founder of aikido) used the term sumikiri for perfect clarity. Another interesting source of martial artists nobility is the seven virtues of budo. Kalokagathia originally referred to noble aristocratic citizens in ancient Greece. The whole budo is derived from martial way of noble samurai. Aikido is recognised as one of the most gentle martial arts with profound ethical background. |