Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title O Sensei, Great Teacher) that has its origins in centuries old traditions. It is a form of Budo - a way of life that seeks to improve the self through a blend of rigorous physical training and spiritual discipline. In many martial arts, an attack comes and is stopped, and then the defender counters with an attack of their own. In Aikido the attack is not stopped, it is transformed. This is accomplished not by overpowering the attacker but by blending with their energy and incorporating it into your technique. One can say that this blending uses the attacker’s force against their intention. The aggressive action of the attacker is used to stop that aggression. Aikido is an art of defense against an unprovoked attack; a commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict whenever possible. Its uniqueness as a martial art lies in its awareness of a deep sense of harmony with all of creation, therefore, training is designed to defend not only the self, but to bring the attacker under control without the necessity of inflicting injury.
On the technical side, Aikido is rooted in several styles of Jujitsu (from which modern Judo is also derived), as well as sword and spear fighting arts. Oversimplifying somewhat, we may say that Aikido takes the joint locks and throws from Jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and staff fighting. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. And, it must be recognized that many Aikido techniques are the result of Master Ueshiba’s own innovation.
On the philosophical side, O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. “The Way of Harmony of the Spirit” is one way that “Aikido” may be translated into English. Although the idea of a martial discipline striving for peace and harmony may seem paradoxical, it is the most basic tenet of the art.