Aikido

Aikido, a relatively modern martial art, was created by Ueshiba Morihei, who drew inspiration from the traditional martial arts while incorporating a spiritual dimension. Ueshiba believed that true budo was not dependent on strength or exploiting an opponent's weaknesses, but on perfecting one's own character. As a result, there is no competition in aikido, which emphasizes repeated practice with a partner to develop both body and mind, and can be customised to each individual's pace and skill level. Aikido's fundamental movements consist of irimi (entering) techniques, where the defender steps to the side and into the attacker, and enten-no-ri (turning) techniques, where the defender uses pivoting principles to redirect the attacker's energy. Aikido's teachings and principles have gained international appeal, with its practice now spread across 130 countries worldwide.