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Aikido 合氣道
JapanEast AsiaGrapplingJapanese Budo
Blending with an attacker's force to throw or pin, guided by a philosophy of reconciliation. Aikikai is headed by the Ueshiba family (Doshu).
Key characteristics
- Irimi and tenkan
- Ki and harmony
Forms & curriculum
- Ikkyo–Gokyo
- Shiho nage
- Iriminage
- Jo and bokken
What training looks like
Training revolves around falling safely (breakfalls), grips, balance-breaking, throws, pins and controlled submissions. Cooperative drilling builds toward live resistance practice.
Questions to ask a school
- How are new students taught to fall?
- Is live rolling or randori optional at first?
- What is the coach's lineage or rank?
- What are the mat-hygiene rules?
Quick facts
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Era / founder | 1920s–1940s – Morihei Ueshiba |
| Family | Japanese Budo |
| Type | Grappling |
Related philosophy
- Wu Wei (Effortless Action) 無為 – Acting without forcing – using minimum effort, yielding and timing instead of brute strength.
- Budo 武道 – 'Martial way' – martial training as self-cultivation.
- Shu Ha Ri 守破離 – Stages of learning: obey the form, break the form, leave the form.
- Ki and Aiki 氣 / 合氣 – Japanese term for qi; aiki is blending energy with an opponent.
- Ma-ai (Distance) 間合い – Correct combative distance and timing.
Where to learn
- Aikikai Hombu Dojo – Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba – Tokyo, Japan
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