PHILOSOPHY
Aikido was created by Ōsensei (“Great Teacher”) Morihei Ueshiba (14 Dec. 1883–26 Apr. 1969), Ueshiba envisioned aikido not only as the synthesis of his martial training, but also an expression of his personal philosophy of universal peace and reconciliation.
During Ueshiba’s lifetime and continuing today, aikido has evolved from the Aiki that Ueshiba studied into a wide variety of expressions by martial artists throughout the world.
In aikido, as any other Japanese martial art, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques.
Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll.
The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and techniques with weapons.
Aikido is suitable for men and women equally. Aikido doesn’t use physical strengh so it can be practiced by children and adults as well. You don’t need any skill or special body condition to start practicing this wonderful martial art, called The Way of Harmony, or The Art of Peace, you just need the will and courage to start it !