Aikido - Fitness, defense or school of life?

Aikido is a japanese martial art whose roots can be backtracked to the motion and breathing exercises of buddistic monks in old china. Modern Aikido is therefore deeply rooted in the east-asian intellectual world.

The practictioner discovers and develops his posture and corporeal capabilities. He understands the human physical boundaries and gains the insight that only the harmonious interaction of body and mind means true strenght. Therefore Aikido can be practicioned up to old age.

Thoughts of "victory" or "defeat" do never exist in Aikido. To conquer the enemy is not the goal, but the development of a mentality which is free of agression and fear.

Aikido techniques are used defensively and redirect the energy of an aggression so that it becomes effectless.