Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art. It was founded by a person named Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido was developed by Mr.Ueshiba from a few other martial arts disciplines like Jujutsu, sword fighting, and other techniques. Sensei Ueshiba was a master of a few styles of Jujitsu, spear fighting, and fencing. His intention was to combine the best techniques from all these disciplines and develop a style that can be used to defend oneself from attackers without injuring them.

Mr. Ueshiba studied the martial arts disciplines in depth. He also studied the spirituality of the religions to find true meaning of life. He combined his knowledge of martial arts with various religious ideologies and came up with Aikido, which in English, means the way of the harmonious spirit. Mr. Ueshiba incorporated a number of Jujitsu techniques to his new style. The popular Olympic sport of Judo also is derived from Jujitsu. But Aikido is quite different from Judo as it has many techniques of Sword fighting as well. Many throws and locks are directly taken from Jujitsu. These are combined with various body movements of spear and sword fighting. But we should not assume that Aikido is just a copy of these martial arts. There are many Aikido techniques which were invented by Mr. Ueshiba from his vast experience in martial arts. Study of the martial arts disciplines that he mastered gave him new insights and he was the best person to judge which techniques will be useful in combat. He was a man with innovative ideas and skills.

Aikido emphasizes the development of both physical and mental abilities. A martial artist needs to outsmart his or her opponents both physically and mentally. Aikido requires extreme levels of physical fitness. Flexibility and speed are two of the major ingredients for Aikido. Swift movements are essential in combat. Foot work is also important in a dangerous discipline like sword fighting. One false move and you can sustain serious injuries. Evading a blow is as important as attacking. Aikido is meant for self defense. So, an Aikido exponent is expected to overpower an opponent with superior techniques using minimum effort. Therefore, it is a lot of importance is given to training hard and being ready for any kind of attack. Fluid, natural, and graceful movements can parry blows if used correctly. Mental agility is a must for a martial artist along with the physical skills. Aikido is the ideal martial art which provides its practitioners with the ability to harmonize mind, body, and soul.