Aikido - "The Way of Harmony of Spirit" is a Japanese system of weaponless self-defence whose origins can be traced back to the 12th century.

It was created by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) as a basis for both physical and spiritual development. It is an art that does not seek to meet violence with violence and yet maintains its martial origins. It is based on spherical movements by which an attackers aggressive force is turned against itself.

The main form of Aikido techniques are joint immobilisation and throws using the opponents momentum. Practices with bokken (sword) and jo (staff) serve to assist understanding of techniques and their development. Traditional Aikido has since its conception been non-competitive, however several styles have developed including Tomiki Aikido, which has introduced competitive aspects.

Conventional Aikido has always been practised by means of Kata and it was impossible to objectify its real power as is done in Judo and Kendo. Professor Tomiki who noticed this deficiency in the teaching materials used in the schools, therefore devised the Randori training system.

Kata is practised as a means of developing basic principles, ie: Posture, Balance Breaking and Movement. In Randori training students are taught combination and continuation techniques etc.. enabling them to deal with non cooperating partners as in sport. Practised as a competitive sport, students learn to overcome the four main evils of combat defence: fear, surprise, doubt and perplexity.

Since Aikido does not require physical strength or aggressive spirit, it can be practised by people of all ages and sexes. Based on full and natural body movement, Aikido exercises the whole body. It teaches and develops flexibility, co-ordination, balance and quick reaction.

Because Aikido is essentially a method of practical self-defence, the practitioner will eventually acquire a sound basis of quick reaction and effective movement which should prove useful if an occasion should demand it in real life.

Practice is normally conducted on a matted area using judo mats. Participants wear judo or karate suits. Wooden practice weapons bokken and jo are required as the beginner progresses in some associations.