Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (O’sensei) as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba’s goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers from injury. The ultimate intention is to disarm opponents through applying accurate timing and techniques to your opponent, leading to a single conclusion where your opponent is guided into constrained pins, locks or unstable angles. Ideally, this can be achieved free of tension and aggression. For this reason, Aikido is often translated as “the way of unifying (with) life energy” or as “the way of harmonious spirit”.

Today, aikido is found all over the world in a number of styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques formulated by O’sensei and most have concern for the well-being of the attacker. The application of Aikido, as O’sensei taught it, can be easily and effectively applied to protect against bigger and stronger attackers in a non-confrontational way by physically blending with attacker’s movement and energy. It is suitable for anyone seeking to gain self-confidence, mind and body awareness, martial superiority, self-control, improved fitness, and to meet people and make new friends. It is ideal for both male and female, young and old.