The Way of Harmony
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), commonly known as O-Sensei (“Great Teacher”).
Ueshiba drew on extensive training in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, while developing an approach of his own based on movement, timing, balance and control.
What Does Aikido Mean?
The word Aikido is made up of three Japanese characters:
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AI (合) – to meet, come together, harmonise
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KI (気) – energy, spirit, or life force; also the universal spirit in Japanese philosophy
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DO (道) – the way or path
Aikido is therefore commonly translated as “the way of harmony.”
The idea of harmony is reflected in the way Aikido is practised: rather than meeting force directly with force, students learn to move with an attack, change its direction and take control of the situation.
How is Aikido practised?
Aikido training is usually done with a partner. One person attacks while the other practises receiving and redirecting the attack using movement, balance and timing.
Techniques include throws, joint controls and pins, as well as ukemi — learning how to fall and receive techniques safely.
Training may also include traditional weapons practice with the jo (staff), bokken (wooden sword) and tanto (wooden knife), depending on the class and level of experience.
Aikido is generally practised without competition. Instead of training to defeat an opponent under sporting rules, students work together to improve technique, awareness and control.
Aikido and self-defence
Aikido develops skills that are relevant to self-defence, including awareness, balance, movement, distance, timing and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
Because techniques rely on positioning and leverage rather than strength alone, training can be adapted to people with different levels of experience and physical ability.
As with any martial art, effective self-defence develops through regular, realistic practice over time.
More than technique
For many people, Aikido is also a form of long-term personal practice.
Training requires patience, attention and cooperation. Students learn to stay relaxed while moving under pressure, work constructively with training partners and improve gradually rather than measuring themselves through competition.
O-Sensei increasingly described Aikido not simply as a collection of fighting techniques, but as a way of developing greater control over oneself.
For some students that philosophical side becomes an important part of training; for others, the attraction is simply the movement, technical challenge and enjoyment of practising with other people.
Interested in trying Aikido?
You don’t need previous martial arts experience to begin.
Aikido for Beginners
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