Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (14.12.1883- 26.04.1969). Morihei Ueshiba dedicated his life to the ancient martial arts of Japan, studying their techniques and mindset from the ground up. He finally realized that the true meaning of Budo cannot lie in fighting and destruction, but rather in fully empathizing with the attacker in order to lead him away from confrontation - without aggression. This is how the martial art of aikido came into being after the Second World War. This seemingly contradictory fusion of efficient martial arts and a peace-loving attitude certainly contributes a great deal to the fascination that aikido exudes.

"Victory at the expense of others is not a real victory. Victory means winning over the spirit of discord within oneself. Aiki is not a technique to fight or defeat an enemy. It is a way to reconcile the world and make people one family."

– Morihei Ueshiba

According to Morihei Ueshiba, the true meaning of modern Japanese martial arts (Budo) is the cessation of all fighting. It is a way of togetherness and reconciliation. It is not about defeating or improving others, but about purifying oneself and developing spiritually. Aikido is a non-violent martial art based on the fundamental principle of granting loving protection to all beings and including the attacker in this protection. Master Ueshiba's theory is based on the principle that you have to go with the attack in order to control it better and be able to thwart it by deflecting it so that it has no chance of success. It is not based on physical strength, as you do not oppose the power of the attacker, but enter and merge with it. In this way, the conflict is resolved with its own energy and the art of war is turned into a discipline that integrates the individual and promotes peace in society.

The word Aikido means method or way (do) of coordination or harmony (ai) with the mental energy or spirit (ki). Aikido was created by merging and adapting many Japanese martial arts and is based on ethical considerations of East Asian and religious and philosophical thought. The martial art differs considerably from other self-defense methods in terms of motivation and goals.

The aikidoka defends himself without harming others. The aikidoka's attitude is neither aggressive nor threatening, but relaxed, flexible and peaceful. He takes action before the attack has taken place and thus takes the wind out of his opponent's sails.

There are 35 dojos in the ACSA. A dojo is a training location where Aikido is practiced. Depending on the location, this can be a school gym where the tatami is laid out or a specially equipped room. The dojos are run independently and are organized either as a club or a school. Lessons are taught by one or more teachers. The number of dojo members also varies and is not fixed. Each dojo is unique. Some dojos also offer training for children and young people or special teaching units, such as weapons or ukemi training.

The ACSA dojos are listed on this website under Dojos. It is best to contact the dojo managers by e-mail or telephone. You can also use the map to find the dojos in your area with just a few clicks. We wish you lots of fun and hope to see you on the mats soon!