Aikido is an art of peace based on non-violence and harmony of the spirit principles. Strikes and kicks as means of aggression are not taught, and any reference to opponents or attackers is not encouraged, instead, there is a development of skills that enable coping with adverse, everyday situations.

Unlike other martial arts, there is no competition in Aikido, therefore the spiritual development of the individual is emphasized. We learn that all happenings in our life are, ultimately, an exchange of energy.

This energy is not good or evil, it’s just energy, and what we perceive as an aggression is in fact an opportunity to control, redirect and project the energy to restore balance naturally, hence Aikido is deemed a self-defense discipline.

Aikido movements teach us to project energy instead of storing it. Training produces a positive effect in character by polishing the mind and body of the individual. The non-competition premise encourages the progress of each person at his or her own pace and according to their abilities.

Aikido movements are natural, thus almost any person can practice regardless of their age, gender or complexion:

Children that learn Aikido gradually calm themselves and learn proper manners.

Aikido also helps the youth to relieve the pressure and stress they

experience. In adults emphasis is placed in the harmony of mind and body, good health and spiritual refinement.

Training helps to maintain the flexibility of mind and body of the elderly, who can train fully and satisfactorily since the many variations and techniques of Aikido can be adapted to the physical needs of every individual.

Women learn to control strengths higher than their own, and to move quickly and adequately, skills that

can be applied practically and effectively if the need of such arises.