Aikido: Way of the Harmonious Spirit

 Created from the three characters: 合 – ai (joining, unifying, combining, fitting), 気 – ki (spirit, energy, mood, morale), and 道 – dō (way, path), Aikido began its development in the late 1920's under Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu master Ueshiba Morihei as a means of peaceful self-defense and spiritual fulfillment (Oomoto-kyo). Post World War II, Gozo Shioda, one of Ueshiba's highest ranking students formalized Yoshinkan Aikido, named after his father's Judo dojo and with an emphasis on self-defense techniques.

Although Shioda's Aikido differed from Ueshiba's, the two remained close friends with Ueshiba continuing to promote Shioda in rank.

Similar to Judo, Aikido is practiced with a Shite (one applying the technique) and an Uke (one receiving the technique) learning to use one's power with that of their opponent to execute throws, and locks. Although uncharacterized by striking, Aikido does utilize atemi (striking) to further facilitate throws and locks.