Aikido
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art developed
by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial
studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs.
Aikido is often translated as "the Way of
unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of
harmonious spirit."
Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that
practitioners could use to defend themselves
while also protecting their attacker from
injury.
Aikido is performed by blending with the motion
of the attacker and redirecting the force of the
attack rather than opposing it head-on. This
requires very little physical strength, as the
aikidōka (aikido practitioner) leads the
attacker's momentum using entering and turning
movements. The techniques are completed with
various throws or joint locks.
Ueshiba's senior students have different
approaches to aikido, depending on when they
studied with him. Today aikido is found all over
the world in a number of styles, with broad
ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However,
they all share techniques learned from Ueshiba
and most have concern for the well-being of the
attacker.
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