Aikido has its origin in Japanese Bujutsu. The founder of the Aikido, Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), studied several Bujutsu and taught the secret of these arts. In 1920, he then opened a dojo near Kyoto, and named his art Aïki-Budo.

In 1940, the dojo became well-founded under the name of Kobukai, and after the war became known as Foundation Aïkikaï. Years before the name Aïki-Budo had been replaced by the name Aïikido.

In the 50s, 67 year old Master Ueshiba, would leave the care of education to his son Kishomaru and to his best followers, among whom some would emigrate abroad, thus spreading the art of Aikido worldwide. In 1976, when the first Congress of the International Union of Aikido was held in Tokyo, Aikido was unanimously recognized as a modern martial art on a global scale.

Aikido was introduced abroad more than 30 years ago. Throughout this period, it expanded to Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and both Americas. It is now practiced in approximately 40 countries world-wide by more than a million participants.

The reason behind the quick expansion and increasing population of Aikido is based in the very essence of its art, which supports the traditional culture of Japan and the profound coexistence and perfect harmony between man and nature.

With the heritage of the traditional Japanese culture, along with the freshness of our modern times, Aikido strongly contributes to the development of mutual understanding among a diversity of people.

Definition:

The etymology of the word Aikido decomposes into three elements:
Ai: universe
Ki: spirit-energy
Do: way
The above thus literally meaning "the way by communication of the spirit ".
The participant must adapt himself to, and also anticipate the attack of his partner, i.e. he must assume the defence technique at the precise moment the attack begins. With this process in motion, both participants find themselves in harmony with one another.

In Aikido, we discover the action of two large forces: one being positive that goes into action (OMOTE) the other being negative such as absorption, deletion (URA). In certain oriental philosophies it’s called the YANG, and respectively, the YIN. Therefore, in Aikido, we always search for the application of these forces according to the following principle: if the partner (UKE) uses a positive attack, TORI will use a negative force. If on the contrary, UKE uses a negative force, TORI will use the positive force. Here, the aggressor is named UKE.

Aikido is thus a martial art which gives to its participants, the total mastery of body and spirit. Aikido also imposes a moral balance, a moral discipline; a heritage of spirit and the code of chivalry from ancient samurais.

We notice that after some time, the participants of Aikido attain a certain philosophy which allows for more peace and confidence necessary in today’s stressful life.

The basic principles:

The concept of body and spirit in Aikido, constitutes the main element of the practice of Aikido.

The techniques of the Aikido are mainly based on throwing down, immobilisations, attacks of bare or armed hands, as well as on kicks. All or almost all are executed in a circular way. The movements are extremely varied. For the layman, techniques are unlimited.

The basic principles of the Aikido are:

1- KAMAE: means staying on guard and protecting oneself while maintaining stability and having good possibilities for moving around easily. The ideal position is to have one’s body slightly bent forward thus ensuring better protection of the vulnerable areas in the front body.

Here are some examples of Postures:
a) Hidari KAMAE: the left guard position
b) Migi KAMAE: the right guard position
c) Ai-Hammi-Mu-KAMAE: Both, Tori and Uke have the same foot in front
d) Gyaku-Hammi-mu-KAMAE: Tori and Uke have the opposite feet forward
e) There is also what is known as MUGAME, the guard without guard, i.e. straight, flexible and relaxed body, with low shoulders, and a very wide vision while having a constant availability of movement.

2- MA-MAY: means distance between two partners. There are three distances to be respected.
a) Chikama: short distance - both partners are approximately a step apart from one another which allows them to execute techniques on the spot.
b) Ma: is the ideal distance because it allows to see and react fast - with both partners holding a distance of one long step, their arms bent slightly, extending towards the other, allowing contact with the back of the hands.
c) To-Ma: is the long distance - both partners holding a distance of several steps between each other. To-Ma is used especially in the practice with weapons (Bô, Jô, Boken).

3- TE-SABAKI: is the movement of hands. TE (hands), SABAKI (movement of rotation): the hands of Aïkidoka (the one who practices Aikido) are opened and flexible, arms slightly dropped; it is impossible to fold them because the KI (energy) circulates from the HARA (the abdomen – which is consider the vital center that stores and springs the energy of the body).

Participants:

Anyone of any age can practice the Aikido, even after a long absence of physical training. The practice of the Aikido is possible if trained by a competent professor.

This martial art is neither dangerous, nor rough. It addresses the very young to young, as well as to women who practice this art with high care and control. It is observed that these women will never feel inferior when faced with a possible aggressor no matter what.

Kyu:

5th Kyu: minimum 2 months from the Mukyu
4th Kyu: minimum 3 months from the 5th Kyu
3rd Kyu: minimum 6 months from the 4th Kyu
2nd Kyu: minimum 7 months from the 3rd Kyu
1st Kyu: minimum 8 months from the 2nd Kyu
1st Dan: minimum 12 months from the 1st Kyu
2nd Dan: minimum 2 years from 1st Dan
3rd Dan: minimum 2 years from 2nd Dan
4th Dan: minimum 3 years from 3rd Dan