What is Aikido?
Aikido is a modern non-violent, non-competitive martial art with a strong spiritual side, but its roots go back to the ancient combat systems of feudal Japan. Characterised by joint locks and circular movements, inherited from Daito ryu Aiki Jujutsu and Yagu Shinkage Ryu (old style of sword fighting) the emphasis is on redirecting an attack and taking advantage of the opponent’s physical weaknesses, without the need to kick or punch!
The benefits of studying Aikido are many and can be different for each 
student. Aikido is based on the principles of non-violence and harmony and is ideal for anyone wanting to learn self-defence and gain flexibility, confidence, speed of response, balance and discipline. Still others may focus entirely on the physical benefits – increased stamina, inner strength, flexibility and self defence skills. Continued study results in improved physical and mental conditioning.
It is not just physical attacks; with most people they occur quite infrequently. It is the ordinary stress that you get good at: the boss who yells, the punk that threatens, the road rage expert, the screaming kids, money woes. Public speaking? No sweat!
As a defensive art, Aikido uses the energy and momentum an attacker offers in order to initiate an attack. Aikido does not rely on forceful blocking, and punching, kicking and screaming, or physical dominance. Since it does not require strength or size, Aikido can be mastered by all, regardless of athletic ability or age.
Rather than confronting and overpowering an attacker’s energy, the 
aikidoka (aikido student) blends with this energy, deflects and redirects and the attacker ends up on the floor. The techniques themselves are fluid and graceful with an impressive resulting throws.
In addition to powerful self-defence techniques, Aikido helps you develop your mind and body connection. It builds your confidence and improves your total awareness of people, space and time. As a martial art, Aikido makes use of bodily throws and joint-locking techniques, which are oftentimes simple, yet highly effective against would-be attackers. With Aikido, Aikido practitioners have no problems overwhelming attackers, even if they were larger in size.
Through Aikido, one will find a harmonious way during conflict, not only in our practice, but in everyday life, transforming the stress of our business, academic and family lives into opportunities for personal growth and development of compassion, discipline, concentration and self confidence.
Aikido attracts people with a desire to:
* Self Defence
* commit to practice
* enhance physical coordination
* relaxation and exercise
* mental focus concentration
* study a Japanese martial art and culture
* improve self esteem
* make friendship
Above all, Aikido is fun, it is a chance to use, expand, and challenge your mind and body. Turn off the cell phone, tune out the television and radio, shut down the computer, and improve your greatest asset you have… Yourself
Who can practise Aikido?
Anyone! Any age, any sex, any height, any weight.
Since Aikido relies solely on body movement and not physical strength, then the techniques can be learned by anyone. Aikido offers a versatile and an effective method of self-defence based on the philosophy of utilising the opponent energy to control the opponent by either unbalancing or immobilisation.