What is Aikido?

What is Aikido?


Kumano Hayatama Taisha 2009
Kumano Hayatama Taisha, 2009

“Aikido is the Path of Harmony between Humankind and the Universe”

Morihei Ueshiba, 1883–1969, founder of Aikido.

Ai: unity, harmony, love
Ki: energy, flowing breathe of life
Do: way, path

Ai Aikido is a Japanese martial art. It cultivates harmony (Ai) and allows the practitioner to establish a rich and harmonious relationship between oneself and one’s environment.

Ki It is the path that promotes a free and fluid flow of vital energy (Ki). It contributes to the free expression of all manifestations of life. The Ki’s flow strengthens a body’s good health, awakens the spirit, and opens the heart. Aikido allows finding one’s balance. It stimulates fluidity, awakens the senses, and promotes creativity.

Do This martial art is for all people, large, small, male, female, strong, fragile, old, young, healthy, sick, or disabled. It is a path that one follows all lifelong (Do).

This art permits one to live life fully, in a responsible and enlightened manner. The Aikido practitioner learns how to freely let the life energy flow into oneself, without tension or resistance. He or she blossoms like flowers in spring. This is Takemusu Aikido.

And in practical terms?

The practices are held in silence. They often give the impression of a round and beautiful dance, even if the technique is powerful and effective. The following two videos are good examples of it.

Self-defense? Aikido can be very effective, but it takes years of practice to prevent an attacker from doing harm without being destructive yourself. However, the practice of Aikido quickly develops a strong center, great self-confidence and tremendous energy. And that makes a big difference in the situations we usually face in life.

Competition? Violence? Aikido does not have competition, as this encourages rivalry. Instead, Aikido advocates peace by preventing others from harming and eliminating destructive impulses. The only injuries are usually toes that get stuck in the tatami!

Torii in Kumano Nachi Taisha, 2009
Kumano Nachi Taisha, 2009

A way to pacify the world and oneself

Why are conflicts so numerous in the world?

Because the human spirit is inhabited by vanity, lust, and greed. There is also fear, doubt, and guilt. These characteristics belong to the ancestral and animal nature of human beings: characteristics of predators and victims. As long as people’s thoughts and actions are imprinted by these characteristics, conflicts will continue. History shows that no law or political regime has been able to find a solution to establish peace, harmony, and love.

Aikido is a path that proposes a possible change. It is the way that allows one to leave ancestral impulses and elevate oneself toward real humanity. It is the deep purification that allows one to smile at life. It helps to manage the hardest difficulties in one’s life with strength and serenity. And it lets peace, love, and light shine in oneself and all around.

Aikido, the path of victory over oneself — Testimonials of members of the Geneva Aikido Takemusu Dojo

Aikido is always relevant, regardless of the period, culture or place. It concerns humanity in relation to the cycle of great nature. This art appeared to O Sensei after numerous years of assiduous practice and retreats.

Aikido is transmitted by the I Shin den Shin (from heart to heart) relationship between an instructor and his or her student. Thanks to this, the Founder’s teaching has always been transmitted faithfully.

Aikido is a wonderful way that humanizes and fulfills the one who practices it. The numerous testimonials are a beautiful expression of this.

Jean-Pierre Kunzi Sensei showing an Aikido technique

“In true Budo
We seek to become one with all things
And return to the heart of creation
The purpose of Aikido training
Is not simply to make us
Stronger or tougher than others.
It must turn us into warriors of peace.
This is our mission in Aikido.”

Morihei Ueshiba, 1883–1969, founder of Aikido.


Answers to the most frequent questions

Is Aikido a religion?

Aikido is not a religion, no faith is required. Everyone is free to practice and experience at their own pace. However, Aikido is a practice that works on the body as well as the mind, which makes it a spiritual practice.

Is it effective? Is it useful for self-defense?

Aikido can be very effective, but it takes years of practice to prevent an attacker from doing harm without harming him. However, the practice of Aikido quickly develops a strong center, great self-confidence and tremendous energy. And this makes a huge difference in the situations we usually face in life.

Is there competition?

Aikido has no competition because it encourages rivalry. Instead, Aikido advocates peace by preventing others from harming you and eliminating destructive impulses. It is a practice that will help you develop self-confidence and self-control while learning to take your place.

Is it violent?

The practice can be powerful, but Aikido is about guiding or leading the other. There are no collisions and the only injuries are usually toes that get stuck in the tatami!

I want to come for a trial practice, how do I do it?

Check the schedule and inform us of your visit. Just take some clothes that are comfortable to move in. We will be delighted to welcome you!