Aikido

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art
utilizing holds, joint locks and throws, against
single or multiple opponents.  Aikido is excellent
against armed attackers and has proven invaluable
in law enforcement training around the world.

Aikido embodies a relaxed, natural stance, with
flowing circular movements which blend and
harmonize with the opponent's force of attack.
Because each technique naturally transforms into
every other technique, the number of Aikido
techniques and movements become infinite.  There
are no movements in Aikido which collide with, or
overpower, the opponent with physical strength
and excessive force.  Aikido is often called the
"nonaggressive" martial art of Japan.

Aikido is a way, not a sport.  Aikido does not have
tournaments or contests.  Aikido is a traditional
martial art which incorporates training into one's
own life style.  Aikido's emphasis is not on winning
tournaments, but how to improve the way we think,
act, and deal with others in our daily lives.  The
power of Aikido comes through in the way we
harmonize our lives with the way of nature and live
our lives peacefully, fully and joyfully.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, who
passed away in 1969.  He studied many Japanese
martial arts and distilled the best from each one to
create Aikido.  After many years of hard training,
the Founder experienced a great revelation in which
he understood Aikido as a way to achieve peace
within the individual, and outside in the world today.
He did not believe that martial arts are simply to
take advantage of, or to destroy, the opponent.
Aikido became a highly spiritual art with emphasis
on developing the "ki" energy within ourselves and
using it to lead a positive and constructive life.