Style: Aikido (pronounced eye-key-doe)
                                                   Meaning: "The way of harmony with the universal energy"
                                         Country of origin: Japan
  Did you know?
Aikido is developed from Zen philosophy. This can be seen in its use of meditation  and the concept of flow and the unbroken circle, which are expressed in all its techniques.
 
One of the simpler forms of martial arts, Aikido is more a style of self-defence than attack. Morihei Ueshiba developed this martial art form to allow its practitioners to defend against any attack without seriously injuring the attacker. This is in keeping with Ueshiba's religious belief in the value of all life, and the idea that violent persons should be shown the error of their ways, not executed. Thus, Aikido is one of the softest styles ever created, based mostly on Jujitsu, eliminating all kicks and punches.

Through simple, graceful yet swift movements, the Aikido practitioner shifts the attackers body in such a way as to avoid the blow and guide the aggressor's body to use its force against them. However, the Aikido artist is trained to deliver the offensive blow in extreme cases to ensure his safety.

Throws are used, many of which will cause the attacker to land flat on their back in such a way that could hurt them badly. Also, locks which can break the attacker's joints are used.

One of the main benefits of Aikido is that being comprised entirely of circular techniques it can be utilized by anyone, no matter how lacking in muscular strength the person is. 		 
 Similar Styles

Aiki-Jujitsu (also Aikijistu) - The style of Jujitsu that Morihei Ueshiba studied and adapted to create Aikido.

 
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