What is Aikido?

Aikido is a peaceful martial art emphasizing good body movement, throws, and joint locks. When using Aikido properly, violence can be neutralized swiftly and cleanly so that self-defense is possible without inflicting injury.

Stanford Aikido's demonstration video can be seen here:

http://aikido.stanford.edu/_video/

Aikido is more than a physical art, though. Its techniques are interwoven with elements of philosophy, psychology, and dynamics. It is a way of life that unifies life energy, ki, a way of being in harmony with one's environment and centered within oneself. At its highest levels, it is an effective discipline for the development, integration, and utilization of all of one's powers - mental as well as physical.