Aikido is one of the most complicated of the Japanese martial arts. Aikido depends not only on innate skillfulness, but a steady and vigorous training. Emphasis is placed on defence through joint manipulation and throws. The founder, Morihei Ueshiba (1886-1969), studied many of the traditional combative arts in his quest for enlightenment. He struggled for many years to form a combative system that reflected his realization that a person in harmony with nature has no enemies. Aikido as we know it today emerged.

Aikido is a way to achieve physical and psychological self-mastery (this is what is meant by Jishukan). Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing the force head-on. This requires a minimal amount of physical energy, as the aikidoka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks. Aikido is rooted in several styles of Jujitsu, in particular Daitoryu-(aiki) jujitsu, as well as the sword and spear fighting arts. To oversimplify, Aikido takes the joint locks and throws from Jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and spear fighting. Aikido can be understood somewhat by at least two fundamental principles:

A commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible.

A commitment to self-mastery through Aikido training.

Recognized by the Japanese government in 1940, the Aikikai Foundation is the parent organization for the development of Aikido worldwide. In the natural world we find efficient, rational and soft movements, while inside you will find the immovable and firm center. This concept makes it possible to defend one's self against an opponent of greater strength and size. Aikido movements are circular and lenient on the surface, yet when coupled with the application of force, Aikido can become devastating in nature. Sincere training in Aikido provides mental cultivation, mind and body coordination, a calmness in spirit, character, and genuine respect for others.

Nice Aikido Presentation

Thambu Sensei, demonstrating Aikido.

"Regardless of how fast or slow my attacker advances, I will not be taken off guard nor defeated. This is not because my technique is faster than that of my opponent. Fast and slow are of no consequence. The contest has already been decided from the beginning, merely by having the intention to fight with one who embodies the universe, my attacker has fixed his mind on violating the harmony of nature itself. In other words, the moment my attacker fixes his attention on fighting with me, he has already lost." - Morihei Ueshiba