Aikido
合気道
AI-generated content — may contain inaccuracies
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Ukemi (受身, falling and rolling safely)
Wrist locks — kotegaeshi (小手返し), nikyo (二教), sankyo (三教)
Throwing techniques — iriminage (入身投げ), shihonage (四方投げ)
Irimi (入身, entering) and tenkan (転換, turning) body movement
Weapons training — jo (杖, staff), bokken (木剣, wooden sword)
Breathing and centering exercises — kokyu (呼吸) and kokyu-ho (呼吸法)
Your First Class
Watch & Learn
Gallery
Legends of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba (植芝盛平)
Morihei Ueshiba founded Aikido, a martial art focused on redirecting an attacker's energy rather than meeting force with force. His philosophy of harmony and non-violence made Aikido unique among martial arts, attracting practitioners who value spiritual development alongside physical technique.
Gozo Shioda (塩田剛三)
Gozo Shioda founded Yoshinkan Aikido, a hard style of aikido adopted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Despite his small stature, his powerful technique and practical approach earned him recognition as one of the most skilled aikido practitioners in history.
Steven Seagal
Christian Tissier
Related Styles
Jiu-Jitsu
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu — jujutsu (柔術, "gentle art") — is the original grappling art of the samurai (侍), encompassing nage-waza (投技, throws), kansetsu-waza (関節技, joint locks), osae-waza (抑え技, pins), and atemi (当身, strikes). It is the ancestor of Judo, Aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Judo
Judo (柔道, "the gentle way") was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It is a throwing-dominant grappling art with groundwork — newaza (寝技). It has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced by millions worldwide.
Hapkido
Hapkido (합기도) is a Korean martial art that combines joint locks and throws (similar to Aikido) with dynamic kicks and strikes. It provides a comprehensive self-defense — hoshinsul (호신술) — system covering all ranges of combat.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi — Taijiquan (太極拳) — is a Chinese internal martial art practiced for health, meditation, and self-defense. Its slow, flowing movements build balance, reduce stress, and develop internal energy — qi (氣).
Popular With
Chi Master
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.
Traditionalist
The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.
Guardian
Only a warrior chooses pacifism; others are condemned to it.
Ready to train Aikido?
Find schools near you and book a free trial class.