Aikido is a relatively mordern Martial Art that is carried out by using the forces and motion of the attacker and redirecting them, instead of opposing them.
Joint locks are common within the range of techniques, using the opponenets momentum to defeat them.
Due to these methods, it requires very little physical strength or energy meaning that all kinds of people can participate in learning this style.
So what is Aikido? Aikido can be described as a non-resistance Martial Art which is defensive in nature.
It teaches its practitioners how to react to any kind of attack, usually by throwing or subduing the attacker through the application of pressure to vital bodily joints or points.
The word Aikido was formed using three kanji (Japanese Characters),
å - ai - joining, unifying, harmonizing
æ° - ki - spirit, life energy
é - dÅ - way, path
The Japanese style of Aikido is viewed as a way of combat or sparring, but istead as a means fro continual self improvement.
Aikido does not have any tournaments like other popular Martial Arts styles.
According to Morihei Ueshiba (founder), the aim of Aikido is to remove the negative features that exist in oneself that prevent the mind and body from working at its full potential.
These aspects can be used to allow our body to become better at self defense.
The main suggestion as to why Aikido has not taken to competitions is because the injury consequences that may follow through from the techniques used.
Whilst training, potentially lethal techniques must be carried out cooperatively in which case they are perfectly safe with very low risk.
By training cooperatively, even potentially lethal techniques can be practiced without substantial risk in a safe environment.