The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe". Aikido is a true budo, or Martial Way; evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studies in earnest, Aikido is more than a science of tactics and self-defense. It is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.

Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O'Sensei (Great Teacher) to more than one million students of Aikido throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. But O'Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.

"The secret of Aikido," he wrote, "is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself." O'Sensei maintained that budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bring peace to the world, "to make the heart of the universe one's own heart."

There have always been visionaries of remarkable insight, but O'Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it."

From: "About Aikido", US Aikido Federation