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Foundations of Aikido
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Sacred Waterfalls of Nachi The sacred waterfalls of Nachi, Wakayama, Japan.
© 1995 Hans-Peter Dommel


Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art and a way of personal growth. The guiding principle of Aikido is harmony: inner harmony of mind, body, and spirit; harmony with other people; and oneness with nature. The name AIKIDO means ``The Way of Harmony with Life-Energy''.

Aikido was developed in this century by Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei (1883-1969). He was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear and the art of Jujutsu. O'Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, reflecting over the futility of a path based on victory over others. Modern Aikido has been created by O'Sensei through a unification of his mastery of the martial arts with his spiritual and ethical insights.

As an art of self-defense, Aikido is based on the highest ethic of the martial arts: the non-violent resolution of conflict. Aikido has been described as ``philosophy with a physical expression'' and ``meditation in action.'' As a path of personal development, it is challenging and rewarding on many levels: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual.

Aikido - "The Way of Harmonizing Energy"

A way of harmony
... with nature
... with others
... with oneself


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