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Aikido roughly translates from the Japanese as the way of harmony with the fundamental power of nature. Morihei Ueshiba (right) given the title O Sensai, or great teacher, by his students developed this modern martial art, which has its roots in Jujitsu and a variety of sword techniques long established in the Japanese tradition. By doing so, he created an art of surprising grace and power. Aikido is about using the weight, momentum and strength of an opponent to defeat them. In general the techniques are based on circular movements that re-direct an attacker rather than forcibly repel them, therefore there is an emphasis on smooth, relaxed movement and good balance, which generate many powerful techniques. As it is not about brute force, even the smallest and weakest can become accomplished practitioners. |
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