What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Martial Art, developed in the 20th Century by Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei)

Aikido in its Nature is the use of circular, flowing movements originating from a relaxed body and fully centred mind an Aikido ideal, Regular practice brings a feeling of well-being and self-confidence that carries over into every aspect of daily life
The most outstanding feature of actual physical training in Aikido is the repetitious practise of various techniques until unforced movements flow naturally from within the body
The student practises ways to control aggression without causing harm or injury.
The fact is there are no combative matches. Aikido is a natural result of this basic philosophy.
Men and women of all ages train together with each student progressing at his or her own pace

The word Aikido in Japanese is made up of three characters or kanji

Ai Harmony

Although a form of self-defence, Aikido is sometimes called. "The non-fighting martial art". Training partners cooperate rather than compete learning how to yield and guide and control each others movement.

Ki Spirit

Described as life force or the spirit of the universe. Mind and body are united in Aikido's movements, which overwhelm mere physical strength because they harmonise with universal energy.

Do The Way

The study of Japanese martial arts involves more than just the mastery of the technique they provide the pathway for the development of self discipline awareness and good character

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher').

Despite his mastery of many fighting techniques 0 Sensei decided that winning seemed pointless if it was at someone else's expense.

True victory was not the defeat of an opponent, but the resolution of discord within oneself.

He then developed the art as a means of diverting harm from oneself without inflicting damage on an aggressor.

Upon closer examination, practitioners will find from Aikido what they are looking for, whether it is applicable self-defence technique, spiritual enlightenment, physical health or peace of mind. O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace.

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was history's greatest martial artist. Even as an old man of eighty, he could disarm any foe, down any number of attackers, and pin an opponent with a single finger. Although invincible as a warrior, he was above all a man of peace who detested fighting, war, and any kind of violence. His way was Aikido, which can be translated as "The Art of Peace." Morihei Ueshiba is referred to by the practitioners of Aikido as O Sensei, "The Great Teacher".

The Art of Peace is an ideal,

Unlike the authors of old-time warrior classics such as The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings, which accept the inevitability of war and emphasize cunning strategy as a means to victory, Morihei understood that continued fighting - with others, with ourselves, and with the environment - will ruin the earth. "The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. 

The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War." Morihei taught the Art of Peace as a creative mind-body discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression, and as a way of life that fosters fearlessness, wisdom, love, and friendship. He interpreted the Art of Peace in the broadest possible sense and believed that its principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation, and empathy could be applied bravely to all the challenges we face in life - in personal relationships, as we interact with society, at work and in business, when dealing with nature. Everyone can be a warrior for peace.

Although Aikido originated with Morihei in Japan, it was intended to be a gift for all humankind. Some have chosen, or will select in the future, Aikido as their own particular Way, practicing it on the mats and applying it to their daily lives. Many more have been and will be inspired by the universal message of the Art of Peace and its implications for our world.

A short poem sums up this ideal by Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei) 

The divine beauty
Of heaven and earth!
All creation,
Members of
One family.