Aikido originated with the incomparable and renowned Japanese Grandmaster, Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), also known as O’Sensei (great teacher). The roots of Aikido sink deep into the thousand year old practice of the Japanese Samurai. O’Sensei borrowed the best elements of ancient martial history, religion, and philosophy and combined them with his personal spirituality to develop and refine the art of Aikido. Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, as taught by Sokaku Takeda, was the martial art that he studied longest and that had the most influence on the physical development of Aikido. The gentle spirit of Aikido arises from the essence of his religious beliefs, gained from the Omoto Kyu (the great origin) leader, Onisaburo Degushi. His pursuit was primarily a path to the spiritual dimension of life (Do), not just classical Japanese martial art (Bujutsu). 

     Aikido is a personal expression of O’Sensei’s enlightened realization and understanding of the principles of the universe. So, the word “Aikido” only applies to the art created and practiced by Morihei Ueshiba. No one can claim to be his equal! In 1942, “Aikido” was officially recognized as the name of Morihei Ueshiba’s art 

     The word “Aikido” contains three ideograms: AI means “harmony”; KI means “vital life” or “universal energy”; and DO means “the path.” There is no agreement on a precise and satisfactory definition for Aikido. By its nature, a “path in harmony with universal energy” leads a person beyond the need for definitions. 

     Inwardly, Aikido cultivates unity, an attitude of nonviolence, harmony with nature, and compassion. Outwardly, it promotes order in society. Aikido training integrates one’s body, mind, and spirit and encourages sharing of healthy ki with others and with the universe.

       In the martial arts world, people often call Aikido the “gentleman’s” art, because it is the most humane of the martial arts. This art is more than a system of self-defense designed to neutralize an aggressor’s attack. It requires an ethical intention of defending oneself without hurting others. Aikido appears as a harmonious interaction between two or more people. Immobilization and projection techniques lead an attacker in broad sweeping circles that leave him sprawled on the ground and under restraint. These “broad sweeping circles” are the hallmark of all Aikido movements.

Aikido is unlike other martial arts. Aikido teaches one not to injure or cause bodily damage. Its effective, practical, and humane arresting techniques can provide protection against civil liability to law enforcement agencies. For this reason, many United States police academies choose Aikido as the martial art for their self defense training. Also, strong force, large size, and muscular strength are unnecessary for success. Smaller women can control much larger men in a barehanded situation. These factors make Aikido an ideal martial art for women’s defensive tactics training. In fact, all women who work in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force learn Aikido.

Estimates indicate that more than one million people in the world practice Aikido. The United States has seen the fastest growth in numbers of new schools and students. Aikido’s fame and popularity are due partly to the film industry.