Aikido
Translation: "The Way of Harmony with the Life Energy"
Country of Origin: Japan
Created: 1927

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by the late great and usually quite mystic Morihei Ueshiba (often referred to by his title 'O Sensei' or 'Great Teacher'). Ueshiba was a sickly child and in order to build his strength practised jiu-jitsu from an early age. In 1920 following the death of his father he sought spiritual guidance and turned to meditation and philosophy. It was during this period that he had an "enlightened vision" showing him that true martial arts where about harmony not force and this is the underlying principle upon which Aikido is built. He opened his first school in 1927 and the name Aikido was officially recognised in 1947.The art is a defensive one involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from jiu-jitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Ueshiba emphasised the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace. Aikido is developed from Zen philosophy which can be seen in its use of meditation and the concept of flow and the unbroken circle which are expressed in all of its techniques. One of the main benefits of Aikido is that being comprised entirely of circular techniques it can be utilised by anyone, no matter how lacking in muscular strength. Amongst the many mystical achievements of Ueshiba was his ability to alter his body weight at will.