Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei Great Teacher) to more than one million students of Aikido throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu.

The essence of all Aikido techniques is spherical motion around a stable, energized center. Even when the direction appears to be straight forward or backward, close observation reveals the Aikidoist's movements are in fact circular.

Properly executed, some techniques are spectacular, sending an opponent flying through the air. Others are like sleight-of-hand: small, deft movements that immobilize the aggressor. Both results are achieved through precise use of leverage, inertia, gravity, and the action of centrifugal and centripetal forces. Ultimately, it is the energy of the attack itself which brings down the attacker.

There have always been visionaries of remarkable insight, but O-Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it." There have always been visionaries of remarkable insight, but O-Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it."