To define aikido and to explain it prove to be at the very least a difficult task, for it is a complex martial art which combines simultaneously technical principles as a spiritual dimension which is the principal foundation. The examination of the kanji (Chinese or Japanese symbols) composing the word “aikido” allows a certain comprehension of it. The kanji " ai " represents at the same time the concept of union, of harmony, the " ki ", that, of vital energy, the energy of the universe and " do ", that of spiritual way, this last kanji being associated with several other martial arts.

Nevertheless, aikido is a mode of self-defence that aims at dissipating the aggressiveness of the attacker, to control him without destroying him. In other words, the ultimate goal is to solve an aggression without having recourse to an identical reaction which leads to a showdown without end nor victory. Concretely, to avoid a direct confrontation with Uke (the assailing partner), Nage (the one which carries out the technique) dodging the attack, leads the attacker in a circular imbalance which he prolongs until the exhaustion of aggressive energy and finishes the movement by a projection or an immobilization. In fact the beauty of aikido lies in its absence of blocking of the attack and in its transformation into a motion that becomes fluid and harmonious...

The practice of aikido is made of unceasingly increasing difficulties and new challenges to take up. Thus one learns initially basic displacements and movements, such as the falls. Then one learns how to manage a more complex practice against a partner, then two and even more and this with bear hands or with wood weapons, bokken, Jo and tanto. . Physically, aikido contributes to the improvement of the physical condition, the flexibility, and the coordination of the movements. Mentally, by the acquisition of a greater self-confidence and a better " self-control ", the aikido tends " to build " a person in the broadest direction of the term: person in charge, solid and conscious of its possibilities, which supports better, generally, living conditions of today. The practice proving influenced by the personality of each one, one can thus affirm that the principal adversary is himself and that to try to improve becomes a search of oneself. Thus, by the means of a serious practice, Aikido, then becomes a victory over oneself (AGATSU).

There is no competition in aikido; the progression is individual and the courses proceed in a pleasant environment and a spirit of co-operation.