Aikido The Japanese word Aikido is written in three characters: Ai (harmony), Ki (spirit or energy), Do (the path or way). Roughly translated Aikido means "the way of the spirit of harmony. The way of harmony with the universe." What is Aikido? Aikido is a true budo, or Martial Way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Aikido often described as "moving Zen", is a martial art that focuses on effectiveness against attack as well as harmony of spirit and is sometimes called the "gentle martial art." Aikido is known for its graceful techniques and swift effortless movements that fling an attacker through the air or immobilise and control him with subtle pressure applied as joint locks. Aikido movements are greatly influenced by the sword, stick and spear. The techniques are very fluid circular movements that blend and harmonise with the attack rather than confronting it thus turning an aggressive linear attach into a circular motion that renders attackers helpless. The aim of Aikido is not to harm an attacker, but to blend with and capture an opponent's aggressive actions and neutralise them. Properly executed, Aikido techniques convince an attacker that violence will not work. Studied in earnest, Aikido is more than a science of tactics and self-defence: it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit.