Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, refered to as O Sensei, who passed away in 1069.  He was recognized as one of the most powerful martial artist even into his final days.  However the primary goal of Aikido is for personal growth and transformation for our everyday lives.

Aikido is a martial art which utilizes mostly techniques of joint-locks and throws (or projections). More importantly, it is based on blending one's energy system with that of the attacker's, and thus defeating them with the strength of their own intention. Executed properly, Aikido techniques sustain complete control over the attacker so that effective defense becomes possible without inflicting unnecessary harm. The concepts of centering and ki, (or energy flow) are central to its principles.

Apart from its relatively unique place among the martial arts, Aikido is also viewed by many as a spiritual discipline. There are no contests in Aikido, and one trains with a partner, not an opponent. The art itself is based upon becoming one with the attacker, indeed "being" part of the entire situation. These and other principles of the art can be applied to the whole of one's life. While many practice the art along with, or as a form of, Zen, the dojo provides a more tangible laboratory for testing its somewhat subtle principles. It is important to note that doing Aikido is also a lot of fun!