About Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed during the 1920s - 1940s by Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei), who had reached the highest levels of mastery in many classical Japanese martial arts including many schools of jujutsu, sword, and spear.

As such, aikido is both similar to and different from other martial arts:

• Literally, aikido translates as “the way of harmonious power.” One of the most well-known characteristics of aikido techniques is blending with the actions of an attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on.

• There is no competition in Aikido. The motto of aikido is Masukatsu, Agatsu, Katsuhayabi “True victory is victory over oneself. Start now!” Dedicated aikido training is the path to that victory, not competition.

• And finally, like many other martial arts, the goal of Aikido training is not just the development of physical skills, but also—and perhaps more importantly—improving a practitioner’s character.

O Sensei created aikido as a way to embody banyu-aigo (a love for all things) after a lifetime of exploring the meaning of budo. Often popularly translated as “the way of the warrior” and “the way of the fighting man,” budo can also mean “the way to stop fighting, to protect, to preserve the peace.” Ueshiba determined that the popular ideas about budo were a serious misunderstanding that perpetuated fighting, competition, and a desire to defeat others —sometimes at great personal cost.

O Sensei taught it was better to resolve conflict as gently and peacefully as possible instead of defeating or even destroying an attacker through brute strength or force. He transformed many of the martial skills he had learned that were designed to inflict maximum damage into skills that manage an attack by gaining control and stopping a fight with minimal harm. These “harmonizing” techniques are based on learning how to use ki (internal power or energy) in en no ugoki (circular movement), irimi (entering), do chu sei (equanimity) and chushin (immovable center) with training partners.

As a result, aikido movement maintains a firm and stable center with pivoting, entering, and circling techniques used to control and neutralize an attack. The principle of spherical rotation makes it possible for anyone to control an opponent of superior size, strength, and experience.

Although aikido movements are soft, rational, and smooth, they can escalate in application to become devastatingly effective as needed. The gentle quality of aikido makes the martial art ideal for all people to practice regardless of their strength or stature.

The benefits of aikido training

• Aikido focuses on developing proficiency through repeated practice, so anyone, at any level, can practice.

• Aikido training is not only good for physical health, but also develops self-confidence and self-control necessary for a rich, full life.

• The aim of aikido is to develop a kindness of heart expressed through the spirit of budo.

• Aikido training is an ideal way to deepen your understanding of yourself and other human beings.

Aikido Worldwide

Aikido has taken root all over the world in over 140 countries. It is recognized as a unique and effective way to train the mind, body, and spirit whose value extends beyond race and borders.

Onegaishimasu! Come train in aikido!