About aikido
A Japanese martial art that neither attacks nor wins, but seeks harmony.
Aikido is a young martial art from Japan, developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969).
Personal development
Aikido belongs to the ‘soft’ martial arts. Practising aikido takes no strength. You learn to use the attacker’s force, and to gain control of ‘the fight’ through flowing movement. In aikido you learn to overcome yourself. Your own physical and mental blocks are examined through a variety of exercises and techniques. Practising aikido gives you a strong and supple body and a calm mind.
Moving for the joy of it
Enjoyment is a cornerstone of aikido practice. You learn to work within the limits of what you can do. Because there is no competitive element in aikido, you can develop at your own level and your own pace.
Techniques
At the foundation of this art of movement lies a number of techniques. Practising them makes you more aware of your body. And by training with others you learn to trust the people around you. The grading system helps you see your own progress.
A spiritual path
Aikido is also a spiritual path. You develop a harmonious balance between body and mind. That brings practitioners a great deal of calm in their lives — particularly valuable in a busy society full of stimulation.