Aikido Philosophy

Aikido is a Budo. All Budo have the same pinnacle, with each having a different, yet similar process or path towards attaining it. Through competition, artificial limitations are provided for instant advancement: rules, weight divisions, age groups, male or female, contact or non-contact and/or point scoring systems are promoted.

Aikido perhaps differs most from other Budo for example Karate-do, Judo and Kendo in that it is non-competitive (has no competitions or point scoring). There are many reasons for this, including that many techniques in Aikido if applied over-zealously, forcefully and/or unmercifully would seriously injure and/or disable an opponent. Basic Aikido immobilisation techniques for example are illegal in modern Judo.

These three characters in Japanese kanji represent the concepts that form Ai-Ki-Do.

Aikido is:

• a non-competitive, Japanese martial art
• popular with men and women of all ages
• an avenue to better health, fitness and well-being
• developing technique, mind and body
• not reliant on strength
• based on circular and free-flowing movements
• breathing development and stress relief

Aikido offers:

• regular exercise
• self-confidence
• good discipline
• self-defence
• improved flexibility
• perspective development
• improved posture and deportment
• improved coordination and balance