So Rahul Gandhi Holds a Black Belt in Aikido – But What Is It?

Rahul Gandhi revealed that he isn’t one of those ribbon-cutting-physically-inactive netas.

(Image: Erum Gour/The Quint)

Yoga and morning walks aside, how many fit politicians do we know? Hey, we’re not asking this question, boxer Vijender Singh is, and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has an answer – it’s him.

At the annual meet of the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Singh joked that he had seen lots of politicians cut ribbons to inaugurate things, but never anyone who’s big on sports. He wanted to know what Gandhi would do for development of sports in the country if he becomes Prime Minister.

To this, Gandhi revealed that he isn’t one of those ribbon-cutting, physically-inactive netas, but is actually a swimmer, does exercise for at least an hour a day, and wait for it... holds a black belt in the Japanese martial art form ‘Aikido’.

Confused about what Aikido is? Here’s what you need to know.

How Old Is It?

Aikido, a modern Japanese art form, was developed by a man named Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century. Ueshiba, who is often referred to as Ōsensei or "Great Teacher", served in the Japanese Army until 1907, during the Russo-Japanese war.

What Are the Techniques?

The techniques in Aikido involve irimi (entering), turning movements to divert the opponent's momentum, and various kinds of throws and joint locks. It took on from Jujutsu, but broke away to develop into a form of its own in the 1920s.

Some Basic Techniques RaGa May Have Mastered

(Image: Erum Gour/The Quint)

(Image: Erum Gour/The Quint)

Traditionally, Aikido is more of a defensive martial art. It’s meant to be non-competitive and the players are expected to work in cooperation with a partner. The skill is not in defeating an opponent with force, but with technique.

So, What Does a Black Belt in Aikido Mean?

A black belt in Aikido means RaGa can do some serious damage.

Typically, the progress in training is first through a series of grades (kyū) and then through a series of degrees (dan), so if Rahul is a black belt in Aikido, he’s pretty high up in his training.

Although, it has to be said that testing requirements are different for different practitioners and organisations, so a rank in one organisation may not be comparable to another. There are reportedly nine levels of black belts, at least in the aikikai style of aikido, which basically follows the style practiced by Ueshiba’s grandson, Moriteru. Rahul is reportedly at level one. Only a few people in the world are said to hold a level nine black belt.

Where Could Rahul Have Trained?

Aikido hasn’t taken off in India as much as its sisters judo, karate and tae kwon do. There are a few centres across the country in cities like Varanasi. Metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi have centres that teach the aikikai style of aikido. Chances are, Rahul trained in the capital.

And the Uniform?

All in all, a big thumbs up to Rahul for taking fitness seriously. Maybe someday he’ll put up a video of himself practicing, like he promised Vijender Singh he would!