The Characteristics of AIKIDO

Aikido, in some styles / organizations, is taught as a Japanese traditional art. That is why there are Japanese sitting exercises (suwari waza) and Japanese samurai sword exercises in their teachings. 

The heart of Aikido is 'love and harmony'. 

Aikido has two footworks: 'irimi' and 'tenkan'. 

Aikido movements are based on: 

 o 'ki-shin-tai no toitsu' (the unity of spirit, mind, and body) 

 o aiki musubií (the blend of our spirit with the one of other people) 

 o takemusu aikií (the unlimited creativity through Aiki) 
 

Aikido uses no physical strength / tense hands but ki no nagare and aiki no nagare. 

 Some people interpret 'ki' as inner energy, some others interpret it as will or spirit. Ki no nagare (the flow of ki) will spring from ki-shin-tai no toitsu. Aiki no nagare (the flow of well-blended ki) will spring from ki musubi. 

Aikido was not created as an indoor exercise only. 

'Ukemi' in Aikido should be 'the safe ways to fall' - not for a nice show. 

Aikido never limits the attacker's position and distance, nor the types, the speed, and the changes of his attacks. 

In a correct performance, 'atemi' (a fatal attack) is not neccessary in Aikido. Especially, if the attackers are not dangerous armed bad guys.