What is Aikido
WHAT IS AIKIDO
Aikido, sometimes called "Zen in Motion," is a Japanese martial art founded on the philosophy of harmony with the universe. It was created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), also revered as the "O-Sensei" (Great Teacher).
Aikido can be interpreted as "the way of unifying life energy with the energy of heaven and earth." "Ai" means harmony, "ki" is the Eastern concept of life force, and "do" is the path. Aikido was developed by the Founder over many years of studying various martial arts, culminating in the 1920s.
Aikido is more than a purely defensive martial art. When attacked, the Aikido practitioner maintains their center, avoids the opponent's line and momentum, blends with the force of the attack, and controls or subdues the opponent through harmonious, flowing circular movements. It removes the violence found in other martial ways, making it a non-violent and non-competitive art. As a modern fitness martial art focused on coordination and breathing, Aikido is also well suited to absolute beginners, women and children.
"The secret of Aikido is to harmonize myself with the movement of the universe, to unite myself with the universe. True Budo is to take the breath of the universe, to protect and nurture all things in nature." — Morihei Ueshiba
Watch Now
Zen in Motion
Aikido is a martial way of overcoming force with gentleness, using the attacker's energy, and meeting conflict with compassion — known as "Zen in Motion."
Using Four Ounces to Deflect a Thousand Pounds
Skillfully applying joint-locking techniques, it naturally neutralizes the opponent's attack — softness overcomes hardness, and strength is borrowed from the attacker.
A Martial Art for Everyone
It does not rely on brute force. Women, children, and the elderly alike can practice "using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds."
Self-Cultivation
It emphasizes subduing the opponent without harming them, forging the will and nourishing the spirit, leading toward a more complete character.
No Barrier to Entry
It places little demand on flexibility and requires no martial arts background — anyone can improve their fitness through practice.
Purely Defensive
It does not advocate attack. When attacked, the practitioner keeps their center and uses circular movements to neutralize and subdue the opponent.
Aikido Mini-Lessons
AIKIDO STUDIO
Follow our social media and online classroom to learn more about Aikido knowledge, technique explanations, and dojo updates.
WeChat Channels
Scan to follow and watch more videos
Bilibili
Videos updated across all platforms
Aikido Glossary
Basic terms · Tori · Techniques · Daily phrases