What is aikido?
Aikido is a martial art that comes from Japan. On a technical level it is derived from jujutsu, hand to hand fighting techniques, and Japanese sword techniques but it is more than that. It inherits the traditions of budo - the Japanese Way of martial arts.
Aikido is based on an attitude of non-contention rather than confrontation. An attack is not checked, it is met and guided in a way that causes the assailant to be thrown by the directional force of their own attack.
Aikido was created in the 1920's so it is fairly modern. The founder, Morihei Ueshiba(1883-1969), was naturally a martial arts expert but he was also a deeply spiritual man and he dedicated his life to creating a modern martial art that would be true to the spirit of budo.

What is budo?
In Japanese history in the early 17th century the tradition of fighting arts (bugei), originally devised to inflict injury and death, transformed into the Way of martial arts (budo), dedicated to perfecting the human self by integrating mind, body and spirit. For example the Way of the sword transformed the sword that kills into the sword that protects life. The spirit of budo, perfecting the human self by integrating mind, body and spirit, is a very noble ideal but can be difficult to relate to for beginners and advanced students alike. Here are two examples from aikido practice that may help the reader. In order to perform aikido smoothly and swiftly, an extraordinary degree of mental concentration and agility, balance and reflex action are necessary to move the body continuously in a co-ordinated manner. This is undeniably integration of mind and body and, at the highest level of practice, spirit. Also the healthy and hospitable atmosphere to be found in aikido classes stems from fact that aikido is based upon such a positive ideal. Most of us may fall well short of the ideal but we will glean significant benefit from trying.

What are the benefits?
Through rigorous training you will achieve a healthy body and mind. Physically you will improve posture, flexibility, balance, agility and co-ordination. Ultimately, as with other eastern practices such as yoga or tai-chi, you can influence your mind for the good, creating an inner calm and balance that may be carried into your daily life.
You can have a lot of fun:
Learning how to fall & receive techniques without injuring yourself
Tying yourself in knots trying to execute a technique Aikido techniques appear deceptively simple when demonstrated by an expert. When you try to do them yourself however the complexity of movement & co-ordination quickly becomes apparent.
Surprise at the power. Unlike the soft appearance aikido can be vigorous and dynamic Intrigue. The more you know about aikido the more there is to learn! Aikido provides an inexhaustible pool of knowledge and practice.
You can practice worldwide. If you have the opportunity to travel, a shared interest in aikido will open doors for you throughout the world? You develop knowledge and skills in a versatile and effective method of self defence.

What does aikido mean literally?
The Way(do) of harmony(ai) with ki. Ki is an Eastern concept which has deep philosophical roots and is difficult to translate into Western terms. However it is easier to feel ki than to explain it. In aikido it is perhaps the sense of perfect timing, blending and breathing experienced when executing a technique correctly. If ki is used, control of an attacker is effortless. In a human being the centre of ki is the abdomen(hara) and control of ki is intimately related to breathing. Development of ki is a central theme in aikido practice. The philosophical idea of ki originated with the Chinese where it is known as "chi". In simplistic terms it is the "life force" that permeates the universe. The nearest Western equivalent is perhaps spirit or soul.

What does aikido offer that other martial arts perhaps do not?
In contrast to other martial arts in aikido there are no contests, tournaments or champions. Such things can fuel self concern and disregard for others and are contrary to the spirit of budo. Aikido is non competitive and is practiced in a very positive environment. It is not practiced in a combative atmosphere where brute strength dominates and victory at any cost is the paramount objective.

Is it suitable for all age groups?
Since when practiced correctly aikido requires no physical strength aikido can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or sex.

Do you have to be fit?
Not initially - but you will become fit if you train regularly. Aikido practitioners must develop a sensitivity to the experience and ability of their fellow students and practice accordingly i.e. vigorously or at a slower pace.