What is Aikido
Aikido is a relatively recent Japanese self-defense martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba(1883-1969). Its basic technical characteristic is that it consists of a synthesis of several older traditional martial arts, particularly jujutsu (unarmed techniques), kenjutsu (sword techniques) and jujutsu (staff techniques), which the founder studied for about thirty years of his lifetime with many teachers.
A fundamental difference of Aikido compared to the other martial arts is its philosophy. A non-violent, peaceful way of life. As the founder was a deeply spiritual and cultivated person, he combined the elements from the above arts on the basis of love and understanding towards all human beings naming his art, "path of love" and "path of harmony".
Aikido is NOT a sport or a game. It does not have any kind of athletic activities, any kind of rules, any kind of championships, referees or point system. There are not winners or losers. An important characteristic of Aikido is the absence of any form of competition. This is due to the fact that, according to Morihei Ueshiba, the aim of the true warrior is to fight against his/her negative self and to develop in harmony with the world; the existence of competition would develop egoism and competitiveness between aikidokas. On the contrary, with the absence of competition Aikido lecture is conducted in a pleasant atmosphere where aikidokas experience in a genuinely happy environment.
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