14 Facts About Aikido

Aikido is often translated as "the way of unifying life energy" or as "the way of harmonious spirit".

Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to Ueshiba's involvement with the Omoto-kyo religion.

Term in Aikido is found in many other Japanese martial arts such as, judo and kendo, and in various non-martial arts, such as Japanese calligraphy, flower arranging and tea ceremony .

Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba, referred to by some aikido practitioners as .

Aikido derives much of its technical structure from the art of swordsmanship .

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Aikido was first introduced to the rest of the world in 1951 by Minoru Mochizuki with a visit to France, where he demonstrated aikido techniques to judo students.

Aikido was followed by Tadashi Abe in 1952, who came as the official Aikikai Hombu representative, remaining in France for seven years.

Shodokan Aikido was controversial, since it introduced a unique rule-based competition that some felt was contrary to the spirit of aikido.

Gozo Shioda's Yoshinkan Aikido, considered one of the "hard styles", largely follows Ueshiba's teachings from before World War II, and surmises that the secret to lies in timing and the application of the whole body's strength to a single point.

Aikido-related training emphasizes the use of coordinated whole-body movement and balance similar to yoga or pilates.

Aikido training is based primarily on two partners practicing pre-arranged forms rather than freestyle practice.

Aikido techniques are usually a defense against an attack, so students must learn to deliver various types of attacks to be able to practice aikido with a partner.

Aikido training is mental as well as physical, emphasizing the ability to relax the mind and body even under the stress of dangerous situations.

Aikido styles vary in their intention as due to its holistic nature.