Aikido is a non-violent, non-competitive martial art, created by its Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido is based on the traditional Japanese martial arts modified by the Founder’s religious belief of non-aggression and accord with nature. The Founder believed that Budo (martial arts) is the technique of love and protection for mankind and that Budo should promote harmony amongst ourselves rather than striving to win or competitions. Aikido, therefore, has no competition or attacking techniques, and is purely an art of self-defence, using minimum force to restrain and control. The aim of Aikido is to promote physical and mental health and harmony of its practitioners.
Aikido is one of the new modern Budo of Japan. It grew rapidly in popularity in the 1960s. It is now practiced in over 70 countries worldwide and has over one and one half million practitioners.