What is Aikido… (and the concept)…
A way practiced for self-improvement and self-defence A way practiced to develop health, balance and harmony in one’s life An art that at it’s highest is conducted on an intuitive level without planning or strategy. Takemusu Aiki It is harmony of energy, The way to develop the unity and realization of the intuitive spirit A traditional martial art A sport (Tomiki)				An art practiced to unify mind, body, spirit and energy A martial art/way that is ‘young’ compared to its contemporaries, (but its roots go back a very long way). An art also used on the offensive… any who may consider themselves Aiki ‘purist’- do not be alarmed… this is in the concept of pre-emptive defence. An art used only in defence or self-defence The way of peace.
	The Way to Harmonize Energies
Aikido may be considered any, or a fusion of the above.. Aikido, like many subjects is, well…, subjective, and everyone has a right to their interpretation and opinion. I offer the following as a simple outline on Aikido and its initial familial lineage…. Aikido is a martial way/art that is intriguing… Aikido- the Way to Harmonize Energies, is the martial art and way established by….
			Morihei Ueshiba Respectfully referred to as O’Sensei, (Great Teacher). O’Sensei was a man of exceptional discipline, dedication and insight, highly skilled in a variety of martial arts. His continuing martial arts practice and training combined with his meditation and spiritual endeavours eventually led to his refining this eclectic system to an art in itself which he named Aikido.
Morihei Ueshiba (December 14^th 1883- April 26^th 1969)
The name of Aikido is made up of the three characters:
	Ai Harmony; Unity; to meet; Principle of integration. Ki Life energy; Spirit energy; Centralized and coordinated energy in technique Do Way; Path of a discipline, combining principles and elements of practice and endeavour.
After O’Sensei passed away his son was inaugurated with the title of 2^nd Doshu of the Aikikai on 14^th June 1970			Kisshomaru Ueshiba Kisshomaru Sensei was greatly influential in ensuring the preservation and continuance of the dojo during the turmoil of war. He worked on modifying and systemizing some of the technical curriculum/syllabi of Aikido. Just as his father had given the message that Aikido is for everyone, Kisshomaru Sensei sought to widen the teaching and understanding of Aikido internationally. A quiet and disciplined man who retained a firm vision of the development of aikido. Following the death of Kisshomaru Sensei the title of Aikido Doshu passed to his son
Kisshomaru Ueshiba (June 27^th 1921 – January 4^th1999)
			Moriteru Ueshiba Moriteru Sensei had been the Dojo-cho (Dojo Director) of the Aikikai and was inaugurated as 3^rd Doshu on September 25^th 1999. He has traveled extensively to conduct Aikido seminars and promote Aikido world wide.
Moriteru Ueshiba (April 2^nd 1951 - present)
For each person Aikido (like any martial way or art) gradually evolves as a practitioner’s insight develops; it is said that O’Sensei’s Aikido altered over time (due to age, practice and depth of insight) but not at the loss of Aiki principles, and Aikido underwent further and maybe similar changes as a result of the diversification, or variety if you will, of focus (for instance on the execution of techniques, forms and practice) by O’Sensei’s uchideshi and other direct students (dependent on at what stage of O’Sensei’s life they received instruction from him) and still further by later Shihan, instructors and organisations. …Some of these changes eventually go ‘full circle’,…. In spite of its known ethos that subjective answer, as to what Aikido is, is dependent on a number of variables including type and depth of training, dedication, studies, experience, and understanding as well as evolving levels of maturity, attitude, insight and a person’s integrity. At whatever level, there is something that is paramount to healthy development… Cultivate an open mind and remember… People may change Dynamics may change (Aikido) Principles remain the same The concept of Aikido is Harmony…... The concept of Aikido is harmony (towards maintaining or regaining balance). As in the resolution of conflict; in Aikido for instance, uniting and synchronizing your energy with that of the attacker to redirect and neutralize the attack; it is recorded that O’Sensei believed that the purpose of the martial arts and ways should not only be for self-defence or a way of defeating an opponent, rather, it should be used as a means of gradually developing ourselves and a way of improving oneself amidst the stress and confusion of a rapidly changing world.
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