The name Aikido can be broken into three Japanese words:

    *    Ai; meaning harmony

    *    Ki; spirit or energy

    *    Do; the path, system or way.

Aikido can thus be described as The Way of the Spirit of Harmony. Martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement. However, Aikido differs from many other martial arts in that practitioners seek to defend themselves without causing serious injury to their attackers.

The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature; most attacks are linear. Aikido practitioners harmonize with aggressive attacks rather than confronting them, and convert the energy into a circular motion that renders attackers unbalanced so that they can be pinned or thrown. Instead of using potentially crippling locks or hard strikes, the Aikido practitioner trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury. As Aikido is rooted in not causing serious harm, techniques can be practiced at full speed and power without fear of injury.

Traditional styles of Aikido refrain from having a sporting element as Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba (O Sensei) intended. There are no competitive tournaments or contests. The Aikido practitioner uses their training to better themselves as a whole person. The non-violent circular nature of Aikido is used to train not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

Aikido is the youngest of the traditional Japanese martial arts, merging the martial past with a modern outlook. Aikido is proud of its high ideals and can be practiced by men and women both young and old.