Aikido - The Art of Harmony

Aikido is a modern non violent martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba Sensei (1883 - 1969 ) in the mid 20th century. Morihei Ueshiba mastered various forms of martial arts, most notably Jujitsu (unarmed defense), Kenjitsu (sword) and sojitsu (spear) which helped to establish what is today called Aikido.

Aikido is not an aggressive martial art, Aikido relies on the use of techniques combined with energy ("ki") to control and redirect an opponent's force. It is the art of harmony. It is being in Harmony with the universe and you surroundings as well as yourself.

The art of aikido involves more than just learning to defend yourself in a given situation. It is a journey of self discovery of learning to blend with the energy (ki) of an attacker, but also to become aware of your surroundings as well as your own inner feelings. It is learning to relax in any situation that life may present not just on the mat in training but in our everyday lives.
Any one can learn a martial art and become capable of inflicting injury to an aggressor but a true aikidoist will avoid the conflict and only as a last option use his Aikido to neutralize his aggressor leaving him physically unharmed.

"Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered,
those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid.
Thus the wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win."
"Author Unknown"