The word Aikido means - the way (do) to harmony (ai) with energy and spirit (ki) or ai-ki-do.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that evolved from the centuries-old Samurai tradition of warrior-ship. When peace came to feudal Japan, the warrior skills of the Samurai became ways of self-development that included swordsmanship as well as ancient weaponless self-defense arts. Aikido martial art is based upon the techniques and principles of these ancient arts, primarily swordsmanship.
There are no offensive or defensive strikes or kicks in ki-aikido martial art techniques. The ultimate goal of a typical ki-aikido technique when dealing with any attack is to:
- avoid
- join
- lead
- re-direct
- neutralize, and ultimately
- control the attack
without intentionally physically damaging the attacker. |
