Introduction to Aikido

  The word AIKIDO is made up of three Japanese characters, called kanji. The first "AI", which means "to meet, to come together, to harmonize." The second Kanji is "KI," which means "energy, spirit, mind." The third and last character is "DO," which means "the way of." when put together these three kanji, "AI-KI-DO," mean "the way of harmonizing with the spirit of the universe.

    The selection of this name for his martial art as described by O'Sensei: "One who has gained the secret of Aikido has the universe in himself. He is never defeated, however fast the enemy may attack. It is not because his technique is faster than that of the enemy. It is not a question of speed or strength. The fight is over before it has begun."