About Aikido

Aikido is a school of martial arts which found its roots in Japan from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu. Aikido began to diverge and become more unique from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu in the late 1920s, becoming an individual martial art in its own right, as it is today. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba. He sought to combine his martial arts studies, philosophy, and his religious beliefs within the shell of a martial art founded on the ideals of unifying oneself with life energy. Aikido translates as “the Way of harmonious spirit.”

Aikido is based primarily on utilizing the force of the opponent’s attack to one’s advantage, rather than opposing it directly. The practitioner of Aikido must blend with the motion of the attacker and redirect the energy and force behind their attack in ways that overcome the opponent in combat. Unlike many other martial arts, Aikido requires little physical strength. Aikido is, again, based more on “leading” the attacker’s force and momentum using turning, redirection, and forces of balance to the practitioner’s advantage. The bulk of Aikido is comprised of joint locks and throws, and is thus sometimes categorized under the umbrella term “grappling art.”

Currently Aikido can be found all over the world, transformed across a number of varying styles. All these styles share the fundamental techniques espoused by Ueshiba, however. Aikido practitioners typically maintain concern over the well-being of the attacker, and like many martial arts, Aikido artists use their art as a means of self-defense rather than a direct offensive tool.

Contact Info

Terry Lunam, Chief Instructor

613-769-1312

Address:

Aikido School of Ottawa
250 Clarence Street
Ottawa Ontario K1N 5R3

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