I could repeat the same practical information you can find on sites which cover it in more depth and detail. For that, I have included links so you can check them out. Instead, I'd like to offer my own perspective and short explanation of my reasons for being hooked on the art.

For me, Aikido is a way of learning about myself. Many times, during practice, I find that if I get angry with my partner, it's not his/her attitude but mine that needs adjusting. So, by extension, applying this principle to my every day life, it's hard to get away with excuses for actions and circumstances by which I become frustrated, angry, devastated, defeated, etc. or, on the other hand, over confident, arrogant, complacent, etc.

It's hard to blame others for my own shortcomings or weaknesses if I continually reflect on problems and "issues" as part of my person, my life. There are instances in which other people are responsible, but for the most part, I believe, I can affect my life directly, with purpose, and intention.

Aikido gives me the opportunity to find out what in me I need to work on and how I can change the things I want to change about myself. It's not a cure-all, it's a WAY of arriving at solutions or answers to situations and challenges I encounter every day.

To some, it may even seem peculiar to consider the notion that we can take on this kind of personal responsibility. How is it that a "mere" martial art, can shape a person's attitude towards his entire life? It is a powerful concept. From here I can learn to be more generous, more kind, more giving, more accepting of other people. I feel so strongly about this kind of introspection that I believe in my heart, if we all could see the universe (ourselves, as an integral part of it) in this way, we would behave with more integrity, more personal responsibility towards ourselves, towards others, and in general towards the rest of creation.

This perspective has come to me through years of soul searching and through internalizing the principles inherent in Aikido, among other strong influences. It's not "just" a martial art. It's a way of looking at my world, inside and out.

The Spirit of Aikido is an excellent little book that deals with the philosophical aspects of the art. It will give the reader a glimpse into the origins and practice by the founder. Some incredible anecdotes which have become part of the mystique surrounding Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei. Short but powerful, it will leave you wanting more. Through the links below, you will also find other resources, including videos.


— If you want to get the practical scoop on Aikido in the United States, its schools, tradition, affiliations, etc., check out the links below:

United States Aikido Federation
New York Aikikai (Eastern Region)
Midwest Aikido Center (Midwestern Region)
San Diego Aikikai (Western Region)