What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art (Budo). Founded by Morihei Ueshiba (O'Sensei), and based in the old Samurai tradition, Aikido can be used in today's world to help us deal with an increased number of physical attacks and to deal with the stress of modern life.
Aikido, on one level, can be used for self defence. Men and women of all ages, size and fitness levels can use Aikido. By taking the attackers force and turning it against them, you don't need to be a 7ft giant for it to work. On another level, Aikido is a great way to exercise, have fun and meet new people. You can release the stress levels after a hard day at work or at home. Aikido is also a way of self development- to learn more about yourself. One or all of these points can be found and developed when practicing Aikido.
Aikido has no competitions, you are practicing to improve yourself through the help of your uke (partner). People of all ages and gender practice together at their own pace, striving to improve their technique. The techniques consist of throws and locks using the attackers strength against themselves. It teaches you to understand how to blend with an attack and redirect it without the need for strength.
The ultimate aim of Aikido is to blend together your mind, body and spirit into one. Through the use of the technique the aim is to defend yourself without harming your opponent.