Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) in the early 20th century. Aikido strives for the ultimate goal of peaceful resolution rather than defeat. O-Sensei created a martial art in which the preservation of one’s attacker is equally important as one’s own self defense.

Aikido is more than the study of physical techniques; proper etiquette, attitude and behavior are also stressed. The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. The Aikidoist trains to harmonize with, rather than confront an aggressive line of force and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless. The Aikidoist trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins or unbalancing throws to subdue and neutralize attackers without serious injury. Practiced slowly it can look like a dance, practiced at speed and it becomes obvious that it is also an effective martial art.

Aikido is not a sport and there are no competitions and thus no winning or losing. Cooperative practice with the ultimate goal of helping your peers advance lies at the heart of how we practice. As individuals we train our minds and our bodies so that as we improve ourselves we improve the group. All lessons learned on the mat are then able to be carried off the mat and into everyday life.

Reproduced from the United States Aikido Federation web site