The Goal in Aikido

Ueshiba's goal was to create an art practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury.

Fundamental aikido movements are circular. In aikido we harmonize with, rather than confront the attack, converting the action into it into a circular one that renders attackers helpless.

Instead of using potentially crippling locks, punches and kicks, we apply various controlling locks, pins, or unbalancing throws to neutralize aggressors without serious injury.

Aikido is the newest of the traditional Japanese martial arts, holds the most modern outlook, and is proud of its high ideals.

Aikido techniques are intended to be implemented after first blending with the motion of the attacker, so that the defender may redirect the attacker's momentum without directly opposing it, thus using minimum effort.

Aikido demonstrates this philosophy in its emphasis on mastering martial arts so that one may receive an attack and harmlessly redirect it. In an ideal resolution, not only is the receiver unharmed, but so is the attacker.