Aikido Self Defence
The Way of Harmony

Aikido is an original martial art which is not competitive or violent. The techniques do not require physical strength or aggressive spirit and can be practised by people of all ages.

By the use of circular movement an attackers energy is returned to them. A variety of methods are used to cause pain and submission, without injury.

The many benefits of training include... self defence, discipline, breath control, relaxation, flexibility, stamina, speed, power, health and harmony of mind-body-spirit.

In time after focused training, an inner balance that can be carried into your daily life. Aikido is a key to living naturally and unselfishly in a complicated world.

The teachings tell us that the one point in the lower abdomen is the centre of our universe wherever we go. Keeping mind concentrated on this point causes relaxation along with the ability to respond fast.

Master Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei (great master) was known as one of the World's greatest martial artists. Although invincible as a warrior, Morihei was above all a man of Peace who detested violence.

After mastering judo, kendo and jujutsu, along with his profound spiritual insight into the nature of the universe, he created aikido, an entirely original martial art based on universal principles.

Morihei taught the art of peace as a mind-body discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression self defence and as a way of life that develops fearlessness, wisdom, love and friendship.

He believed that aikido principles of reconciliation, harmony and co-operation could be applied bravely to all challenges we face in life.

Although the art originated with Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei in Japan, it was intended to be a gift for all humankind. He was often described as being the most religious person in Japan. In his later years, he spent much of his time in study and prayer writing spiritual poems.

O'Sensei based his skills on his ability to tune into universal energy. The method he used was through the power of sound vibrations. Every day he chanted the pure Kotodama sounds to develop his spiritual powers.

Some of the most prominant students of Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei, who became Masters are...

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Koichi Tohei, Gozo Shioda, Morihiro Saito, Rinjiro Shirata, Michio Hikitsuchi, Kanshu Sunadomari, Takuma Hisa, Tenryu, Minoru Mochizuki, Kenji Tomiki, and many more who have dedicated their lives to the study and promotion of Aikido.

Moriteru Ueshiba (son of Kisshomaru, grandson of Morihei), continues to promote Aikido to the World from the Hombu Dojo in Japan.

The Aikido population keeps growing every year due to the excellent work of the Masters and their dedicated students.

In essence, aiki is more philosophy and meditation than a series of physical movements, but through Mind-Body Exercises we can gain an understanding of the art and learn how it can be applied to our lives.

This martial art can help turn obstacles into potential opportunities and allow us to transform anxiety and pain into vital life-force energy. This can be achieved if we devote time and energy to daily training.

Many of the amazing exercises can be practised at any time, wherever we stand on the planet Earth. During our training we will learn that the battle is not outside of us, but within. The wisdom and benefits received from hard training are many... health, harmony and enlightenment.

It is much more than just another fighting style, it is a holistic approach to life that Ueshiba described as...

Morihei demonstrated in the physical world his divine technique, in harmony with nature. Aikido students are familiar with Amazing photo's and films of Morihei as an old man, easily defeating his much younger opponents.