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Aikido was born from the struggle to answer such vital questions such as: What would I do when confronted by someone physically stronger than myself? How can I overcome the other without using weapons of any kind? Without resorting to foolhardy violence or psychological trickery while retaining the integrity of budo, what is the most rational form of subduing an opponent? In a word, how can we devise a defense against someone superior in size, strength and experience?

Aikido utilizes spherical motions in the execution of its techniques. When pushed, pivot and go around, when pulled, enter while circling. This means that one moves in circular motion in response to the opponent and while moving spherically, one maintains his center of gravity to create the stable axis of movement. And at the same time the opponent’s center is disturbed, and when he loses his center, he also loses all power. Then he is subdued swiftly and decisively.

The aikido student must devote the major part of his training mastering techniques of spherical rotation and through constant training study the basic principle involved. In movement, he or she becomes like a spinning top, stable in the center, never losing balance. Even though the student may not be fully aware of it, the unity of ki-mind-body which is one with the universe has been achieved.