What is Aikido

What is Aikido

Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on harmony, redirection, and non-aggression. Unlike martial arts that rely on punches or brute strength, Aikido teaches you to blend with an attacker’s energy and redirect it, allowing you to neutralise a situation without needing to hurt the other person.

The word Aikido means the way of harmonious spirit. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, a highly skilled martial artist who combined traditional techniques with a deep spiritual philosophy. At the heart of Aikido is the idea that true strength lies in peace and control, not violence.

The goal is not to beat your opponent, but to protect both yourself and them from harm.

In training, students learn how to move smoothly, control their balance, and use an attacker’s momentum against them. Techniques include joint locks, throws, pins, and a strong emphasis on posture and timing.

Many Aikido schools also include traditional weapons training using a wooden sword, staff, or training knife to help understand movement and distance.

Aikido is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Because it relies on technique rather than size or power, it’s accessible to everyone. It’s a great choice if you're looking to improve coordination, stay calm under pressure, or learn how to resolve conflict peacefully. There are no competitions in Aikido. Instead, the focus is on personal growth, control, and mastering your reactions.

So if you're looking for a martial art that teaches confidence, awareness, and discipline, without relying on aggression, Aikido offers a peaceful yet powerful path.

The significance of this is that Ju Jitsu forms the basis of Aikido, Judo and Karate so you'll see the movements of Aikido, the throws of Judo and the strikes of Karate.