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Aikido is a Japanese martial art that includes techniques for fighting empty handed, with weapons, or for subduing an armed opponent.The distinctive feature of aikido is characterized by a training method based on “kata” (a practice of aikido forms),while other Japanese martial arts, like judo, use two training methods, kata and randori (a free practice using the moves of kata in a more realistic and competitive setting).The kata method is well suited to younger and older people and to women because it is a safer and enjoyable way to practice a martial art. People are often impressed by aikido’s graceful movements because, as many instructors point out, aikido movements maintain a person’s stable center with an emphasis on spherical rotation characterized by flowing, circular, and dance-like motions. Aikido is largely divided into two categories: joint (wrist, elbow, and shoulder, etc.) techniques (kansetsu waza) and striking techniques (atemi waza). Although aikido techniques have the power to kill and injure, their fundamental purpose is to seize and control an opponent. All of the principles of Japanese swordsmanship (eye contact, proper distance, timing, and cutting methods) are incorporated into the movements of aikido. Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) founded aikido and promoted it throughout Japan with his son and heir Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921–1999). He learned several forms of martial arts, but he derived the major techniques of aikido from the Daito-ryu jujitsu style, which he learned from Sokaku Takeda (1860–1943). Jujitsu is an art of weaponless fighting that employs holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue an opponent. Ueshiba also established the Aiki-kai aikido association. As to the meaning of aiki—the core concept of aikido —“ai” means to come together or harmonize, while “ki” means energy or spirit or mind.We can trace aiki back to martial arts literature of the Edo era (1600/1603–
1868). Toka Mondo (Candlelight Discussion), written by a master of Kito-ryu jujitsu in 1764, says aiki means that two fighters come to a standstill in a bout when they have focused their attention on each other’s breathing. Other interpretations exist. For example, the book Budo-hiketsu Aiki no Jutsu (Secret Keys to Martial Arts Techniques), published in 1892, says aiki is the ultimate goal in the study of martial arts and may be accomplished by “taking a step ahead of the enemy.”
Organizations
There are three other major organizations that were established by Ueshiba’s leading pupils in the world of aikido.The Ki-Society (established in 1974) is regarded in second position. Its founder is Koichi Tohei (b. 1920) who started aikido in 1939 and was at one time supposed to be Ueshiba’s successor in Aiki-kai. He emphasizes the power of “Ki” in aikido, which he defines as the unification of mind and body, and became independent from Aiki-kai in 1974.Yoshinkan (established in 1955) is in third place. Its founder Gozo Shioda (1915–1994) practiced with Ueshiba beginning in 1932, and established a practical training method while teaching aikido at the police academy in Tokyo. The Japan Aikido Association (JAA, established in 1974) is in fourth place. Its founder Kenji Tomiki (1900–1979) originated the randori (free practice) training method of aikido in about 1961. It combines Ueshiba’s techniques with judo, founder Jigoro Kano’s theory on the modernization of Japanese schools of jujitsu.The JAA is the only school in the big four to promote the practice of both kata and competition. There are other smaller groups in Japan and other countries that are or were led by master instructors, among them Noriaki Inoue (Shineitaido school), Minoru Mochizuki (Youseikan), Minoru Hirai (Korindo), Kanshu Sunadomari (Manseikan), and Kenji Shimizu (Tendoryu).

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