The Founder realized that the true spirit of Budo is not found in competitive and combative atmospheres. In these atmospheres, all that dominates is brute strength, and victory at ANY cost is the main objective. To attain perfection as a human being, both in mind and body, we must constantly train and practice with kindred spirits in the martial arts.

The Founder’s goal is to unify the Ki that permeates throughout the universe, with the individual Ki of each person. Through constant training of mind and body, the individual Ki harmonizes with the universal Ki and this unity appears in the dynamic flowing movement of Ki power which is free and fluid, indestructible and invincible. This is the essence of Japanese martial arts as embodied in aikido.

Aikido refuses to become a competitive sport and rejects all forms of contests or tournaments, including weight divisions, rankings based on the number of wins and the crowning of champions. Such things are seen as fueling only egotism, self concern and disregard for others. A great temptation lures people into combative sports, everyone wants to be a winner, but there is nothing more detrimental to Budo, whose ultimate aim is to become free of self, attain no self and thus realize with is truly human. Aikido seeks to maintain the integrity of Budo and to transmit the spirit of traditional martial arts, remaining true to the first principle of Budo, as enunciated by Master Ueshiba: the constant training of mind and body as the basic discipline for human beings walking the spiritual path.


Aiki is the power of harmony
Of all beings, all things working together
Relentlessly train yourself
Followers of the way

                                         Morihei Ueshiba