Aikido teaches a non-violent way of live. Anyone can train in Aikido regardless of age, sex or physical conditioning. Aikido promotes an internal sense of well being and peace. It is ultimately a "way" to self-discovery and a tool to manage conflict in every day life. Aikido is not gender specific. Since Aikido is not dependent on strength or speed, everyone has equal potential. To the first time viewer, Aikido can look like the thrower ("Nage") is winning over the ("Uke") person being thrown or pinned. Very soon after a little practice, it becomes apparent that both the nage and the uke are winning. Both people get to practice their movement for their collective benefit and safety. 

Aikido was created by the life work and spiritual quest of Morihei Ueshiba, one of Japan's greatest martial arts masters. Deeply interested in spiritual thought, he devoted his life to uniting his considerable knowledge of martial arts with his philosophy of non-violence and cultivation of peace. Through this culmination of his life's work, he created what he called a true "Budo" or martial way:

Aikido.