Aikido is a martial art unlike any other. The name AIKIDO translates in english to " the way of harmony with life ". Its name translates as "the way of harmony with life":
AI - harmony
KI - spirit or life force
DO - the way or path.
As in other martial arts such as Karatedo or judo, aikido is a modern form of ancient fighting skills that have been refined for use in contemporary life.
While other arts survive solely as self defense or sport/competition, the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba Osensei combined his mastery of diverse combat arts with Shinto and Buddhist training developing an art whose goal is to learn harmony in life through the practice of harmony in the art of self defense.
Aikido is a traditional martial art that combines ancient fighting skills with harmony and non-violence originally drawn from Buddhism. through its practice, students learn to respond immediately and appropriately to challenges within the framework of non-violent physical and mental discipline.
Unlike other martial arts, such as Karatedo and Judo, that are practiced for self defense, sport or competition, Aikido relies on cooperation, not conflict. Aikido training emphasizes the need for mutual trust between partners and develops a heightened awareness of the dynamics of interaction between individual and environment. Its characteristic blending techniques turn the hostility and violence of conflict into harmonious motion.
Aikido complements traditional physical educational programs. It improves physical strength and coordination, sharpens student's awareness of their environment and improves their ability to respond constructively to that environment. Students of all ages benefit from Aikido's mental and physical disciplines.