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The word Aikido is made up of three basic Japanese words. "Ai" means coordination or harmony, "Ki" your mental energy or your spirit, and " Do" the method or the way. Therefore, Aikido means the “way of coordinating your mental energy” or the “method to find harmony with your spirit”.

As presented by the Aikido Association of America

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the twentieth century by a man named Morihei Ueshiba, now called O’Sensei which means venerable or great teacher. He was born in Tanabe, a coastal town in southern Japan in 1883. From the time O'Sensei was young, he studied martial arts. Some of the styles he studied were Sumo, Swordsmanship, Spear techniques, Staff techniques, and various styles of Jujitsu, particularly the Yagyu and Daito styles. Even in his youth, O'Sensei appears to have been a deeply sensitive and spiritual person. Eventually influenced by the charismatic spiritual leader and artist Onisaburo Deguchi, he came to view his martial training as a means of personal purification and spiritual training. The time of O'Sensei's life saw Japan involved in some of the most violent conflicts of the 20th century, culminating with the Pacific war. It was during that time that O'Sensei founded Aikido and declared it to be a way of joining the people of the world together in peace. In this way, Aikido is truly Budo (a martial way) rather than simply a Bujitsu (a martial technique) or Buggei (a martial art). When martial training is undertaken as a means to refine and perfect the self, this can be said to be Budo. The famous motto of O'Sensei, "Masakatsu Agatsu", contains the essence of the spirit of Aikido: "True victory is victory over the self". The incredible technical expertise and charisma that O'Sensei possessed, brought him tremendous support from high-ranking military officers, government personnel, and the Imperial family during his life. Following his death in 1969, he was posthumously awarded an Imperial medal for his unique contributions. However, recognition's and honors aside, it was the universality of his insight, and his vision of the martial way being open to all sincere persons internationally, which have led to the phenomenal growth of Aikido. The noblest philosophies and intentions of the samurai have become a part of world culture, and give spiritual sustenance to millions of persons of all cultures: this is largely due to the groundbreaking influence of Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei.

The Japanese martial art of AIKIDO is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword, short staff and the knife. AIKIDO combines practical self-defense movements taken from several traditional martial arts skills such as sword and spear fighting, jujitsu, aikijitsu and other ancient forms of Budo (martial way). There are no tournaments or competitions in AIKIDO. It has been called one of the most subtle and sophisticated of the martial arts. At first glance, AIKIDO appears to be a unique method for defending yourself against any form of attack. Further studies of AIKIDO will revile that it offers much more. An increased level of awareness, physical and mental fitness along with a stronger sense of discipline and self worth are some of Aikido's hidden benefits. Training together in the spirit of harmony, AIKIDO practitioners seek to better themselves and the world around them. That spirit of mutual cooperation is the essence of AIKIDO. At its higher levels, AIKIDO is an effective discipline for the development and blending of all man's physical and mental powers.

"How does harmony and blending relate to a martial arts?", you might ask. The answer is quite simple. Unlike most martial artists which attempt to destroy their attacker(s) or make sportive or combative aims their sole purpose, the Aikido practitioner uses the opponent's own energy against them by blending and lead them into a throw or a finishing pin. This is an assertive controlling method ending with a calm conclusion rather than an aggressive method of destruction which leaves someone physically injured or worst.

As presented by the Aikido Association of America

Today, Aikido is the fastest growing of the Japanese martial arts, continuing to spread and attract attention internationally. Aikido is recognized for its unique spirit, so different from many martial arts which make sportive or combative aims their sole rational. Today, Aikido philosophy is applied to such varied fields as psychology and negotiation, helping people to understand the dynamics of conflict and the many paths to conflict resolution. As Aikido expands into the next century, we are confident that the unique and valuable contribution of Aikido to the world culture will continue to gain high recognition.

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Do not copy or use any of this material without the written permission of Walworth County Aikido.