What is aikido?

Although aikido is an effective method of self-defense, fighting should not be one's focus for practice.  If your primary motiviation for trying aikido is to learn to fight, you are better off trying another martial art.  The success of the martial aspect of aikido as we practice it is a by-product, not the goal, of good practice. 

Proper technique in aikido results from good feeling, fostering mind-body connection, ability to meaningfully connect with others, awareness of self and surroundings, calmness, and ability to accurately evaluate a situation.  Clearly, these are challenging qualities to foster and developing these traits is the primary focus of our practice.  Cultivation of these qualities has broad-reaching benefits in daily life, far beyond the rare possible opportunity of a physical altercation.

The four basic principles that guide aikido practice are:
    -   Keep one point
    -   Correct posture.
    -   Relax progressively
    -   Positive mind