The Japanese word Aikido is written in three characters which roughly translate as, "The Way of Harmony with the Universe." Aikido is a true budo, or Martial Way; evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied 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.