"First Anchor yourself.Then do not let yourself be moved.That is the essence of Aikido."

Aikido/Aikjutus

Aikido was founded in 1941 by Morihei Ueshiba.It is a fighting style that uses the fighters balance and combat rhythm to turn an opponent's motions and force against him.Thus it involves a lot of takedowns,throws and holds,but few punches or kicks.(what few direct attacks there are can be simulated with the characters basic maneuvers.)

Ueshiba developed Aikido out of the older Aikijutsu,which involved more offensive maneuvers,such as joint breaks.Ueshiba sought a more disciplined,philosophical approach to fighting,and thus he and his style eschew direct force.But this is not to say that an Aikido practioner is helpless in a fight-far from it;a skilled aikidoka can take on several fighters at once and leave them all helpless on the ground.Some modern substyles of Aikido are more combat oriented,like Aikijutsu.

Aikidoka wear distinctive fighting clothing:Hakama(wide pants almost like a split skirt) and a jacket similar to the gi worn by Karateka.

Schools:Aikido schools can be found in most major cities;however,for the best training,one must go to Japan

Members:Aikido tends to attract many more philosophically oriented students of the martial arts.It also appeals to some older,skilled martial artists who either are getting to old for more aggressive styles or have learned from experience that kicking and punching are not the only ways to fight.