Aikido and Women: An education in power not domination

Colorado Women’s Studies Association Annual Meeting 1986

 

Jeff Noblett, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

 

Abstract

 

Feminists’ theories of power correspond well with the practice of the martial art of Aikido. They both emphasize nonviolent action, ecological systems rather than hierarchical-domination based systems, cooperation with others and ultimately connection to others as the basis for empowerment. This perspective changes the view of conflict from a contest to be fought to an effort for mutual understanding. The mental-physical movements of Aikido enable a student to learn and develop this type of power. Women practitioners of Aikido are defining a new pathway to formulating feminist power.