Martial arts are studied for self-defense and self-improvement.
Aikido is different from other martial arts in that practitioners seek to
defend themselves without causing injury to their attackers.
Aikido is not a sport. There are no competitive tournaments.
Students work cooperatively with partners to master complex physical techniques,
taking turns throwing and falling.
The basic movements
of Aikido are circular in
nature. Using minimum effort, the Aikidoist blends
with an attack to neutralize aggressors without
relying on strength or size. Consequently, Aikido
is appropriate for men, women and children of all
ages and fitness levels.
More than a science of tactics and self-defense,
Aikido is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.
There is no duality, no struggle, no opponent.
There is only a harmonious action of our own
spirit with the spirit of the universe.
The characters
AI-KI-DO translate as Harmony-
Energy (Spirit)- Way, or The Way of Unity with
the Universal Force.
Y. Yamada Shihan
at San Francisco Aikikai, January 23, 2009
Our Dojo
