It originated in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century, from the work of Master Morihei Ueshiba.
Unlike other martial arts, Aikido does not envisage any form of agonism, in Aikido there is no desire to offend, in the practice the two roles of attacker and defender (Tori and Uke) are constantly exchanged.
Do not offend in order to remain at peace with the spirits and nature by finding the perfect balance between the practised discipline and the spiritual nature of one’s life.
The path to be followed is lifelong, to achieve inner tranquillity and self-awareness.
The “Keiko” training begins with a “Rey” greeting to the Kamiza and the Master, as a sign of respect and gratitude, and to give time to leave everyday life behind and dedicate oneself completely to this infinite personal experience in the search for oneself.
M. Ueshiba was born in 1883, he studied martial arts, especially the art of the Samurai from his master Takeda Sokaku, considered the last Samurai in Japan at the time.
After meeting the leader of a religious sect, the monk Onisaburo Deguchi, O’Sensei followed him in his studies and succeeded in combining the martial aspect with the more philosophical and spiritual aspect.
Evolving more and more in his knowledge of Budo, in 1942 he decided to sum up his studies in a new art that he called Aikido.
Already in 1927 he began teaching Aikido in Tokyo, where the most representative centre of Aikido in the world was born.
He died in 1969, leaving an enormous technical and spiritual legacy to his first pupils (Uchi-Deshi) who would continue to develop it throughout the world, each with their own imprint, so much so as to create various styles, yet recognising themselves in a single breath.
