AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More (合気道) is a Japanese martial art focused on blending with an attacker’s force instead of meeting it with force. Instead of trying to overpower someone, you redirect their energy while controlling their balance and neutralizing them through joint locks or throws. It emphasizes control, timing, and harmony, not brute strength. AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More focuses on • circular movement • off-balancing (kuzushi) • joint locks (e.g., ikkyo, nikyo, sankyo) • throws (e.g., iriminage, shihonage) • atemi (strikes used to create openings) • awareness and control rather than domination. Unlike competitive arts like judo or MMA, traditional aikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More has no sport competition. The emphasis is on self-defense, self-mastery, personal development, and conflict resolution. Many aikido styles train with bokken (wooden sword), jō (staff), and tantō (knife), not for fighting, but to understand distance, timing, and body mechanics.
AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More was founded by Ueshiba Morihei (植芝盛平, 1883–1969), often called Ōsensei (“Great Teacher”). He was a highly skilled martial artist with deep training in Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu (from Takeda Sōkaku); classical sword and spear arts; Shintō spiritual practices; and Zen and Omoto-kyō religious philosophy. Unlike many martial founders, Ueshiba combined martial technique with spiritual and ethical ideas about peace, harmony, and self-perfection.
Early AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More was heavily influenced by Daitō-ryū Jūjutsu, a combative samurai-era system focused on joint locks, throws, control techniques, and subtle body mechanics. Many core techniques like ikkyo, nikyo, shihonage, and iriminage come from this lineage. Over time, Ueshiba softened and reshaped these techniques to reflect his evolving spiritual beliefs.
Ueshiba was deeply influenced by Ōmoto-kyō, a Shintō-derived spiritual movement that emphasized universal harmony; purification of the soul; and unity with nature. This is where Aikidō’s focus on non-resistance and harmony comes from. He started to move away from combat efficiency alone and toward “Victory over the self, not victory over others.”
Before WWII, AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More was harsher and more combat-oriented. After the war, Japan was demilitarized and martial arts were temporarily suppressed. When they returned, Ueshiba reintroduced AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More as a peaceful martial way instead of a fighting system. This is when modern AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More as a non-competitive martial art really took shape. A key difference from older jūjutsu is that traditional jūjutsu was aimed at battlefield survival. AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More transformed those methods into self-defense; self-development; and ethical conflict resolution. Ueshiba wanted martial power without destructive intent.
Ueshiba’s students carried AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More worldwide including his son, Kisshōmaru Ueshiba. Gozo Shioda founded Yoshinkan AikidōAikidō is a Japanese martial art that blends with an opponent’s force to control and throw them without relying on strength. More. Koichi Tohei founded the Ki Society. Some of the major styles include Aikikai, Yoshinkan, Shodokan (Tomiki), and Ki-Aikidō.
Aikido Organizations
- Aikikai Foundation (合氣会) — Original headquarters under the Ueshiba family, based in Tokyo
- International Aikido Federation (IAF) — Global federation of Aikikai-affiliated national organizations
- United States Aikido Federation (USAF) — Largest Aikikai body in the U.S.
- Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU) — Founded by Saotome Mitsugi, North America
- European Aikido Federation (EAF) — Continental federation for Europe
- British Aikido Board (BAB) — UK umbrella organization
- Yoshinkan Aikido (養神館合気道) — Founded by Shioda Gōzō
- International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation (IYAF) — Global Yoshinkan network
- Yoshokai Aikido Association — Founded by Kushida Takashi, North America
- Shodokan Aikido (Tomiki Aikido) — Founded by Kenji Tomiki; includes competition
- World Aikido Federation (WAF) — Main international body for Shodokan
- Ki Society (心身統一合氣道会) — Founded by Tohei Kōichi, emphasizing ki training
- Kokikai Aikido International (合氣道光氣会 / Kokikai)
- Aikido Federation of Australia (AFA)
- Canadian Aikido Federation (CAF)
- All Japan Aikido Federation
- Kokusai Aikido Federation (KAF)
