A modern Japanese martial art rooted in ancient Samurai principles — where the goal is not victory over another, but unity with life itself.
Aikido is a modern Japanese Martial Art and Self Defence system based on traditional Samurai principles. Training involves hand-to-hand Waza (techniques), Meditation and Misogi breathing, and advanced practice with the traditional Japanese weapons of Bokken (sword), Jo (staff) and Tanto (knife).
Aikido (合気道 Aikidō) was developed by O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit."
O'Sensei's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury — a principle that remains central to every Aikido class taught at UAE Aikikai today.
Aikido does not oppose force with force — it blends with it, redirects it, and resolves it. This is the foundation of every technique in the art.
Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. The aikidōka "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements that require minimal effort.
This requires very little physical energy. Through correct timing, positioning, and body mechanics, even a smaller practitioner can effectively control a larger, stronger attacker — the true measure of Aikido mastery over raw strength.
Techniques are completed with throws or joint locks and manipulations, neutralising the attacker safely while maintaining concern for their well-being — a philosophy that makes Aikido truly unique among the martial arts of the world.
Aikido derives mainly from the martial art of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, but began to diverge from it in the late 1920s, partly due to O'Sensei's involvement with the Ōmoto-kyō religious movement. O'Sensei's early students' records still bear the original term Aiki-jūjutsu.
Many of O'Sensei's senior students developed different approaches to Aikido depending on when they studied with him. This diversity reflects the living nature of the art — always evolving while staying true to its core purpose of harmony and protection.
Today, Aikido is practised all over the world in many different styles, with broad ranges of interpretation and emphasis. However, they all share techniques learned from O'Sensei and maintain concern for the well-being of the attacker.
The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in a path to follow.
— O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of AikidoAdvanced Aikido practice incorporates three traditional Japanese weapons rooted in centuries of Samurai combat. Each develops distinct qualities of movement, timing, and awareness.
A wooden practice sword mirroring the movements of a real katana. Bokken training builds precision, distance awareness, and the fundamental body mechanics that underpin all Aikido technique. Many of Aikido's empty-hand movements are directly derived from classical sword movements.
A short wooden staff, roughly 128cm in length. Jo training develops circular movement, two-handed coordination, and an understanding of ma-ai (spatial harmony). The Jo was integrated into Aikido's curriculum directly by O'Sensei himself, making it particularly significant within the art.
A wooden training knife used to practise knife-defense (tantodori). Tanto training sharpens sensitivity to close-range attacks and applies Aikido's blending and redirection principles against edged-weapon threats, demanding precise timing and composed movement under pressure.
Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平, 1883–1969), known reverentially as O'Sensei ("Great Teacher"), was the Japanese martial artist who founded Aikido. Considered one of the world's greatest martial artists, he dedicated his life to creating a discipline that was both physically effective and spiritually meaningful.
After decades of rigorous training in Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, and Sōjutsu — combined with deep spiritual study — Ueshiba synthesised his knowledge into Aikido during the 1920s and 1930s. His vision: create an art whose power comes from harmony, not conflict.
O'Sensei continued teaching and refining Aikido until his death in 1969, leaving behind a global movement of practitioners and a philosophy that continues to inspire millions around the world today.
The values that O'Sensei embedded into Aikido go far beyond the dojo. They are a guide for how to live — with integrity, compassion, and continuous growth.
Never meet force with force. Blend with the attacker's energy, redirect it, and use it to achieve resolution — through harmony of movement, not raw power.
Aikido's defining principle: even while defending yourself, you hold responsibility for not injuring your attacker. Victory through preservation, not destruction.
The path of Aikido is lifelong. O'Sensei himself trained and refined his art until the very end of his life. Growth never stops — on or off the mat.
Aikido cultivates all three dimensions together. Physical technique is inseparable from mental discipline, and both are inseparable from the spirit behind the practice.
Join with us and experience the philosophy, movement, and community of Aikido firsthand. No experience required — all ages welcome.