Aikido was created in the middle of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), known to students of the art as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). Morihei Ueshiba was a lifelong student of the martial arts. He studied a variety of disciplines under different masters throughout his life, earning himself a reputation as one of the foremost martial artists of his generation. He was also a deeply spiritual man. One day after defeating a high-ranking swordsman by avoiding all his cuts and thrusts (Morihei was unarmed), Morihei went into his garden. "Suddenly the earth trembled. Golden vapor welled up from the ground and engulfed me. I felt transformed into a golden image, and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things. Tears of gratitude and joy streamed down my cheeks. I saw the entire earth as my home, and the sun, moon, and stars as my intimate friends. All attachment to material things vanished."1
His own art, which he came to call Aikido (Ai ~ harmony, Ki ~ life energy/breath, Do ~ way, together "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe"), became an expression of this idea. Morihei taught Aikido not as a tool for destruction, but rather as an expression of universal love.
Aikido technique is characterized by flowing movements that blend with and redirect attacks into pins or throws. The art has roots in sword and staff work, and weapons practice is part of Aikido training.
Aikido differs from other martial ways in several ways. Aikido is budo, the way of the warrior. Aikido is taught in a traditional manner with an emphasis on proper etiquette. The goal of training is not simply mastery of technique but complete mastery of self. The fundamental principles of Aikido technique are based on situations involving multiple attackers. Aikido is completely noncompetitive. In fact, every aspect of practice is rather a cooperative exercise through which students challenge each other to grow and learn.
1 - The Art of Peace. A collection of quotes from the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido. Introduction by John Stevens.
