The Art
Aikido is As a non-competitive martial Art
Students pursue personal and physical growth, and develop their ability to engage in conflict with a solid ethical framework that invites transformation over victory.
The Founder
Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), also known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher), developed Aikido from established battlefield techniques during the 1920’s. He was a dedicated martial artist who early in his life achieved mastery in grappling, sword, staff, and spear and earned widespread acclaim.
He was not satisfied with victory over others and a deep conviction drove him to reconcile the violent aspects of martial arts with his search for harmony and internal peace. In his awakening he realized that martial training was futile when it relied on victory over others and began to develop a different type of martial path.
The paradox
In Aikido we do not seek to resolve conflict through achieving victory or avoiding defeat. Rather we approach conflict as a given and view it as vehicle for transformation. Aikido is the only martial art that cultivates harmony for the sake of harmony.
While grounded in a study of martial principles, and consisting of a full curriculum of techniques for self defense, O-Sensei established Aikido as a martial path meant for polishing the spirit, and the body. He is often quoted as having said “the purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.”