Aikidō

Aikidō (合気道) is a Japanese martial art.

The word Aikidō consists of three words: Ai (合), which means “unify”, ki (気), which means “spirit” or “energy” and dō (道), which means “way” or “path”. Aikidō is freely translated as “The Way of Harmony”.

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) is the founder of Aikidō. After years as a master of many martial arts, a soldier and a spiritual seeker, he developed Aikidō as a way to cultivate peace and harmony in the world. He taught the “Art of Peace” as a creative mind-body discipline, as a practical means of handling aggression and as a way of life that fosters fearlessness, wisdom, love, compassion and friendship. The principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation and empathy can be applied bravely to all challenges we face in life.

Readings

“The Art of Peace” by Morihei Ueshiba,
translated and edited by John Stevens – Shambhala Classics