Resolving Physical Conflicts

Conflict is a natural part of life. Usually, we can resolve conflicts peacefully, using humour, empathy, negotiation, compromise or apology. But sometimes, we face agression, bullying, harassment and violence — and our peaceful ways of resolving conflict no longer apply. How can we resolve such conflicts without engaging in the very violence that is being forced upon us?

Aikido teaches effective techniques where the force of the attacker is turned back against himself or herself. These brilliant and effective techniques were developed after World War II as an antidote to the violence that led to that war.

The premise behind Aikido is that anyone who attacks another person is unbalanced, mentally or morally. It is the duty of the practitioner to neutralize the attack without causing permanent injury to the attacker. Attempted violence is therefore transformed into a learning opportunity for the aggressor.

Learn how to:

• Defend against grabs, shoves, punches, kicks, trips and other forms of attack.
• Defend against attacks by more powerful attackers.
• Defend against more than one attacker.
• Defend against attacks using blunt or sharp weapons, such as clubs or knives.