Aikido is a modern Martial Art created in the 1920s by the Founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Morehei Ueshiba was an expert who reached a high level of mastery in the classical Japanese Martial Arts. After the Founder's passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu. At present, Moriteru Ueshiba has succeeded his father as Aikido Doshu. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synt
hesis of his martial studies, philosophy and religious beliefs. Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attackers from injury The word "aikido" is formed of three kanji: • 合 – ai – joining, unifying, combining, fitting • 気 – ki – spirit, energy, mood, morale • 道 – dō – way, path Aikido is the way of the spirit of harmony. Martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement but Aikido is different from other martial arts in that practitioners seek to defend themselves without causing injury to their attackers. The basic movements of Aikido are circular in nature; most attacks are linear. The Aikidoka harmonizes with, rather than confronts, an aggressive line and converts it into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless. Instead of using potentially crippling locks or punches, the Aikidoka trains to apply various wristlocks, arm pins, or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury. There are no competitive tournaments. Aikidokas train to better themselves without belittling others, and as Aikido seeks not to cause harm, techniques can be practiced eventually at full power without fear of injury. Aikido is the newest of the traditional Japanese martial arts, holds the most modern outlook, and is proud of its high ideals.
