What is Aikido?
The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe".

Aikido is a true budo or Martial Way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self-defense - it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher) to more than one million students of Aikido throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. But O-Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.

Dynamics of Aikido
The essence of all Aikido techniques is spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when the direction appears to be straight forward or backward, close observation reveals the Aikidoist's movements are in fact circular.

Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending an opponent flying through the air. Others are like sleight-of-hand: small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.

Increased stamina, flexibility, and muscle development occur naturally as a result of training, but the techniques themselves do not depend on strength for effectiveness; Aikido can be practiced by men and women of all ages.

Aikido Training
The final aim of budo is personal transformation, the creation of an integrated human being. Yet philosophical discussion is rare in the dojo, or training hall. The focus is highly practical: constant repetition to master the fundamentals of movement, timing and breathing.

Students train themselves to capture the opponent's action and redirect it with techniques of martial efficiency and power. At the same time, they become aware of the tendency to overreact to opposition, and learn to remain centered under all conditions.

Most practice is done with a partner; each works at his or her own level of ability, alternating as uke (the attacker), and nage (the one who receives the attack). Both roles are stressed: each contributes skills that enhance overall sensitivity and control.

Centering
The Aikidoist acquires a relaxed posture in which the weight of the body is directed towards its physiologic center in the lower abdomen. Gravity, no longer a force to be overcome, serves to support and stabilize posture. As a result, ordinary movement assumes an appearance of grace and economy.

The effects of centering are mental as well as physical: vitality increases, the senses are sharpened, and one is less affected by everyday irritations and annoyances. This state is referred to in Japan as having hara, or strong ki, the inner quality which aids the student of Aikido to develop to his or her fullest potential in every area of life.

Aikido is made up of three (3) Japanese words. The first Ai, which means harmony or blending; becoming one with your inner self and environment. Ki, which means energy, refers to the inner energy that is manifested in all properly executed Aikido movements. Although one of the more elusive of the attributes it is certainly obtainable. And finally Do, the Way or Path. Putting it all together:

The Harmonious Path of Inner Energy.