Ai-Ki-Do

(The Way to Harmony )

Aikido is a gentle martial art that originated from the ancient martial art "Daito Ryu Aikijutsu". "Daito Ryu Aikijutsu" is a system of techniques from the feudal age of Japan. This martial art was taught only to the high ranking samurai officers closely associated with the ruling Shogunate (Kingship) and not to the common soldiers.

Through many generations and practice the art of "Daito Aikijujutsu" became a closely guarded family secret of the Takeda Clan and was taught only to family members, influential individuals and monarchs. 

The changing Japanese society during the "Meiji Restoration" made this art hidden by history but occassionally manifest its presence as an obscured form of Juijutsu. 

Decades  before the Second World War, a  young man  named Morehei Ueshiba learned this form from his instructor Sokaku Takeda.

Using the styles of Daito Ryu as the base knowledge, Ueshiba refined this martial art and developed what we now called Aikido. Ueshiba dedicted most of his life in developing Aikido as a peaceful martial art and continued to teach its peaceful ideals. 

 Morehei Ueshiba was conferred the honor of "National Treasure" of Japan because of his dedication to the refinement of Aikido and the preservation of Japan's martial culture before he died.

Aikido is a unique martial art in a way that it can be practiced soft (circular and flowing) or hard. The techniques are movements that are closely associated with Japanese swordsmanship. The techniques involve the economy of movement and natural flowing motions. Minimal force is required to subdue aggression. This quality makes aikido ideal even for younger, or older people who doesn't possess much strength.

Aikido is more than a system of movements, it manifests the true essence of "BUDO" (martial ways) and its principles can be incorporated into one's daily life.