Aikido

What is Aikido?

AIKIDO - "THE WAY OF HARMONY"

Aikido Yoshinkai is a Japanese Martial Art of self-defense that is based on non-resistance rather than strength. An attack is never stopped; it is met and guided in a way that causes the attacker to be thrown by the directional force of his own attack.
In addition to throws, Aikido also employs a number of joint locking techniques. Although these techniques are extremely effective and can drive an aggressor to the ground immediately, they are not designed to break bones or cause injury. For this reason, Aikido can be said to be a gentle form of self defense.
Aikido holds that the mind and the body are one. We need not struggle against an opponent's strength. If we lead their mind, their body will follow. However, to lead an opponent, the Aikidoist must be calm, relaxed, and in control of his own mind and body. One of the most valuable aspects of Aikido is that it trains it's students to be relaxed and in harmony with themselves and with others.
An addition to, hand to hand techniques, Aikido (Seikokan) is also complimented by three traditional Japanese Weapons; the Bokken (wooden sword), the Jo (wooden staff), and the Tanto (wooden knife).