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Aikido means the Way, (do), of harmony, (ai), with Ki. It is easier to feel Ki than to explain it. In Aikido it is perhaps the sense of perfect timing, blending and breathing experienced when executing a technique correctly. It is the "life force" that permeates the universe. If Ki is used, control of an attacker is effortless. Development of Ki is a central theme in Aikido practice.

Aikido is a non-competitive art and is practised in a very positive environment, as opposed to a combative atmosphere where brute strength dominates and victory at any cost is the paramount objective. Although Aikido technique can be applied at varying levels of severity, in a continuum from the most gentle controlling techniques to the most severe countermeasures, practitioners develop a sensitivity to the experience and ability of their fellow students and practice accordingly. Since when practised correctly Aikido requires no physical strength, it can be practised by anyone, regardless of age or sex. Through regular training one becomes fit, healthy and fully alive.

Aikido is more than an efficient method of self-defence. It denotes a path of understanding, a way of life, and the Way of the universe itself, encouraging the refinement and development of the human character. The qualities and principles of the ideal warrior; courage, decisiveness, strength, clarity of mind, compassion, are also the ideal qualities of the human being. Everything in Aikido training is meant to develop not only a strong individual, but one with the wisdom and energy to positively benefit society. A true martial artist views conflict not merely as a contest with others, but as an opportunity to forge oneself and overcome our true enemies, which are within.

A person who trains in Aikido can often overcome an attacker who is much bigger or stronger. This is because the power used in Aikido can be much greater than your size may lead you to believe. Rather than stressing and tensing only a few muscles, you learn to relax and move from the centre of your body, where you are most powerful. This relaxation is leart automatically, since without it the techniques will not function properly.

Aikido training does not view the body and mind as separate, so the physical relaxation learnt in Aikido naturally becomes mental relaxation. Likewise, the perseverance and confidence that develop mentally are also manifested in the body. Any psychological or spiritual insight must be reflected in the body, or else it tends to be little more than intellectualising; under pressure such insights disappear and the person reverts to previously ingrained habits and patterns.

Aikido training requires the student to squarely face conflict. Patterns of avoidance and fear are broken. The tense, defensive reactions to pressure and conflict are recognised and deconstructed. A new person; straightforward and brave, yet humble, able to be both strong and yielding as circumstances require, emerges from this training.

The practice of Aikido ultimately must become the practice of our daily lives. Every moment of life involves some sort of conflict; with others, with our environments, with our bodies, with ourselves. It is our choice whether to see this conflict as something to be avoided and struggled with, or as the creative force of change which makes true growth and learning possible.

In order to develop the true human potential, some sort of discipline and refinement is necessary. To develop awareness, decisiveness, inner power and compassion, we must experience the hardship and work of facing life squarely. Life itself must be used to forge ourselves.

Philosophy