What is AIKIDO?

Instead of using potentially crippling kicks or punches, the Aikido student learns to apply various wristlocks, arm pins, or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury. This is the primary way in which Aikido differs from most other martial arts. Also, unlike most martial arts, Aikido is non-competitive.

The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature. Most attacks are linear. The Aikido student physically blends with, rather than directly confronts, an aggressor's linear attack and converts it into a circular motion that renders the attacker helpless.

The Purpose of AIKIDO

The purpose of Aikido training is not perfection of a martial skill, but rather the improvement of one's character.? The objective of Aikido is not necessarily to defend yourself or to hurt attackers, but ultimately to contribute to the making of a better society through the united training of body, mind and spirit. The founder of Aikido Morihei Ueshiba's vision was to promote peace through the art of Aikido.

Aikido often translates as "the way of harmony with Ki." Ki is a concept of the universal creative principle of life or the life force.? Ki is at the heart of Aikido, and that is why Aikido differs from many other martial arts.