Aikido is a Japanese martial art with roots which date back to the 14th century. Aikido techniques utilizing the attacker’s energy and momentum whether the attacker is unarmed or armed. This emphasis on redirecting the attacker’s energy can essentially negates differences that might exist in height, weight, age, strength, and gender between the attacker and the person defending him/herself.

This martial art is primarily defensive in nature, teaching people that effective defense does not mean having to be unduly aggressive. The founder of the art, Morihei Ueshiba, commonly referred to as O’Sensei (1883 - 1969), was a deeply spiritual man and came to believe that Aikido had a higher purpose beyond being an effective form of self-defense. O’Sensei believed that Aikido was a means by which we could become more peaceful people and make the world a more peaceful and safer place.