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Aikido International Peace & Culture Exchange Club

What is Aikido?

1. The Essence of Aikido Aikido is a Japanese martial art that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century. Unlike many traditional martial arts, Aikido focuses on blending with an opponent’s movements rather than opposing them directly. The primary philosophy of Aikido is rooted in non-violence and the idea that true strength comes from harmonizing with the energy of the attacker. Aikido practitioners learn to redirect their opponent's force through circular movements, joint locks, and throws, rather than meeting force with force.

2. The Principles of Aikido
The core principles of Aikido emphasize peace, self-discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. Aikido is not a sport, but rather a way of life that encourages the practitioner to be calm and centered in the face of conflict. It is grounded in the belief that by maintaining a peaceful and composed state of mind, one can neutralize aggression without causing harm. Techniques in Aikido are not about overpowering an opponent but instead are designed to redirect and neutralize their energy in a safe and controlled manner.


3. Aikido Techniques
Aikido techniques primarily consist of throws and joint locks, executed with fluid, circular motions that make the art both graceful and effective. Rather than relying on brute strength, Aikido emphasizes the practitioner’s ability to move with the opponent’s energy. Aikido techniques are performed with the intent of blending with the attacker’s movements, thus rendering their force ineffective. This adaptability to any situation is what sets Aikido apart from many other martial arts that focus on direct confrontation.

4. Aikido's Impact on Mind and Spirit.
While Aikido is a martial art that teaches physical techniques, its true value extends beyond self-defense. Aikido helps to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and emotional balance, which can positively impact one’s everyday life. Through Aikido practice, practitioners develop a deeper awareness of themselves and others, learning to respond with compassion, humility, and patience. The martial art fosters personal growth, encouraging practitioners to apply the same principles of harmony, respect, and peace in their personal lives, both on and off the mat.

Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), widely regarded as one of Japan’s greatest martial artists of his era. A master of exceptional talent, Ueshiba was never defeated in combat. He taught esteemed members of the imperial family, government ministers, top military officers, and instructors at the military academy. During the 1920s and 1930s, his art spread to various dojos across Japan. Today, he is honored as O’Sensei, meaning "Great Teacher."
A brilliant and devoted student, Ueshiba mastered both armed and unarmed combat arts passed down through generations in his teacher Takeda Sokaku's lineage—one of the last of the highly skilled traditional Samurai. However, Ueshiba was not only a martial artist but also a deeply spiritual person. His martial art evolved significantly after he encountered his powerful spiritual mentor, Onisaburo Deguchi. This connection led to a profound shift in Ueshiba’s approach, as his understanding of Oneness deepened. His martial movements transformed, no longer focused solely on combat but infused with an intention to protect all beings, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. Aikido emerged from this unique blend of martial skill and spiritual insight, born at a time when the world was on the brink of devastating war. In 1941, as Japan pursued aggressive military expansion, Ueshiba withdrew from his official duties and moved to the rural town of Iwama, where he spent the last 28 years of his life. There, he focused on refining both himself and his art, continuing to purify it until his final days.
Thus, Aikido was born—a martial art that preserved the power, precision, and grace of traditional techniques but with a new purpose: to halt violence without causing harm and to embrace love and care for everyone, including the attacker.
Today, O’Sensei's teachings are shared around the world

Our Classes

Our Dojo Tatsunori Imamura About Us Membership News

Welcome to the Aikido International Peace and Culture Exchange Club! We are delighted to have you join our community, where the principles of Aikido—harmony, respect, and mutual growth—extend beyond the dojo and into cultural exchange and international friendship. Our club is dedicated to fostering peace through martial arts, embracing diverse traditions, and building meaningful connections across borders. Whether you are new to Aikido or a seasoned practitioner, you will find a welcoming environment where we learn, share, and grow together. Let’s embark on this journey of self-improvement, understanding, and unity!



Aikido International Peace and Culture Exchange Clubs 4-1-317 Maruyamanishimachi 9-chome, Chuo-ku
Sapporo, Hokkaido
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TEL +81-90-907-3272
Email: maypeace0701@gmail.com
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