What is Aikido

Aikido is a highly refined martial art, developed last century as a means of self-defence and spiritual training. Aikido develops coordination of mind and body. Through its philosophy and techniques, Aikido brings us into harmony with our environment, other people and ourselves.

Unlike many martial arts, Aikido requires no advantage in strength or speed, and is practised successfully by people of all ages and abilities.

Central to Aikido is the idea of being in harmony with your opponents, rather than in conflict with them. The movement and energy of an attack is redirected without the need for collision or the use of force.

The physical practice of this fundamental principle of Aikido, leads to a better understanding of people and nature, while teaching essential skills for the resolution of conflict. When Aikido is performed well there is great beauty and composure in the movements of both partners.

The founder of Aikido was Master Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-sensei (Great Teacher). O-sensei created Aikido as a path to universal harmony and world peace, believing that Aikido was a way of attaining this goal and that violence and aggression could be turned aside by harmony of spirit.