About Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who succeeded in creating an art that practitioners can use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. While Aikido's fundamental philosophy of non-violence makes it appealing to those seeking spiritual growth, it is also a well developed and balanced self-defense system which does not rely on physical strength or size.

The fact that Aikido relies purely on technique instead of physical strength, makes it ideal for everyone, regardless of their age, gender or physical characteristics.

The word Aikido is comprised of three Kanji characters:
Ai 合 - harmony/unification;
Ki 気 - life force/spirit/mind/universal energy;
Do 道 - the Way

Loosely translated, Aikido means "The way of harmony with Ki (life force)", or "The Way of harmonious spirit".