The Aikido Center Charlotte

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art conceived in the early part of the 1900s by the late Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Ueshiba mastered various forms of martial arts, most notably Jujitsu (unarmed defense), Kenjitsu (sword) and Sojitsu (spear) in developing Aikido. He wanted to establish an art which was non-competitive and less destructive than his previous training.

Thus, Aikido emphasizes neither street fighting nor competitive tournaments, but neutralization rather than the defeat of an attacker. Through a synthesis of the body and mind, potentially destructive energy is redirected into movement. A class in Aikido stresses form, mutual cooperation, awareness of others and the coordination of the body's movement while maintaining a calm state of mind.