Aikido and its origins

Aikido has its origins in the martial arts practiced by the samurai of ancient Japan. Various schools of jujitsu, sword and lance form the basis of modern Aikido.

AI = Harmony

KI = Spirit

DO = Way

Present day Aikido marks a clear evolution from the more physical traditions of martial arts by concentrating on dissuading the adversary and neutralizing his aggressive intention rather than on fighting it.

This principle of "non-violence", the mental basis of Aikido, consists of creating "emptiness" in oneself so that one can better understand and get closer to all around oneself, whether it be calm or violent, peaceful or destructive, in a way that puts one in harmony with the universe.

The principles of this art were discovered and refined by Master Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei.

- O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883 - 1969) Founder of Aikido

Aikido is the art of finding unity with the spirit (energy) which animates everything.

Aikido is not an opposition of antagonistic, diametrically opposed forces but the perfect harmony of the two.

Because of these very principles (harmony-understanding-agreement), Aikido cannot be competitive, the only "adversary" being yourself.

- The development of Aikido

It was only after World War II that the teaching of Aikido spread throughout Japan. Before that, the study of Aikido was limited to the Japanese elite (military, high rank civil servants, nobles). Experts were trained. In response to the demand for expanding the teaching of Aikido, the Aikido World Headquarters (Tokyo) decided to send some of its experts to make the art known worldwide.

France was very honored by O Sensei and received the following Aikido Masters: 1953 Mochizuki, 1955 Tadashi Abe, 1959 Nakazano, 1963 Masamichi Noro, 1965 Nobuyoshi Tamura