| The martial art of Aikido is special amongst other | | | | to as the 'Art of Peace' -- perhaps a reverse |
| disciplines: it encourages relaxing behaviour and | | | | reference to the often cited and widely known |
| ensures that this, rather than strength or speed, | | | | 'Art of War' by Shun Tzu. |
| will win the day. Harnessing the virtue of serenity | | | | Upon reaching his heightened state of relaxed |
| and relaxation from everyday life and using it in | | | | consciousness, the Aikido student is able to |
| physical engagement is the key philosophy behind | | | | perform the difficult grips, locks and throws |
| Aikido. | | | | required by the Martial Art. The concept and |
| Developed between 1920 and 1960 by Morihei | | | | theory is that energy is not wasted on aggression |
| Eushiba in Japan, Aikido is a prime example of a | | | | or unnecessary force, and that all available |
| 'modern day' martial art; its practise relies more | | | | resources will be used to their full extent, and |
| on the attitude and philosophy of its students than | | | | totally to the practitioner's benefit. |
| the learning of techniques or development of | | | | Aikido, and the practice of Aikido, in modern |
| strength. The philosophy has its foundations in | | | | society is more about the discipline and |
| Eushiba's background in the Omoto-kyo religion - a | | | | psychological benefits brought by relaxation and |
| modern Japanese offshoot of Shintoism. While | | | | self-confidence, than it is about mastering |
| Aikido is not touted as a religious martial art, it is | | | | techniques with which to disable an enemy. This is |
| important to understand its origins among pacifist | | | | not to its detriment, however, and it cannot be |
| religious followers who embraced peace and | | | | argued that Aikido is an excellent choice for |
| shunned violence and war. Aikido is often referred | | | | anyone wishing to take up a martial art. |