Hi, I am an aikido instructor. Aikido's history is deeply rooted in the ancient art of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu. The art of Daito-ryu is said to have originated 900 and some years ago, when a descendant of Emperor Seiwa, one Shinra Sabur? Minamoto no Yoshimitsu chanced upon a spider in the early stages of constructing its web. In observing how the spider carefully laid its trap strand by strand and how its prey with every desperate struggle only became more entangled in the spider's trap until freedom was nothing but a dream.

This incident inspired him to think of combat in a new way, that through careful planning and natural motion the small could overcome the large just as the tiny spider overcame its larger prey. After this epiphany he set out on an intellectual quest, to turn his theory into reality. After much research that included a study of natural movement, musical rhythm, autopsies of executed criminals and the even more ancient concept of Aiki. He formulated the Daito ryu system which he passed down through the Miyamoto clan and eventually the Takeda clan. One of the most famous members of the Takeda clan was Takeda Shingen, which you may know through Koei's historical video games such as Samurai Warriors.

This brings us to the thirty-fifth headmaster of Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu, Takeda Sokaku the man who would restore Daito Ryu to its former glory after it was nearly driven into extinction by the advent of the gun during the Aizu war. Sokaku was truly one of the last samurai, he would travel across the country, with a sword on his side and a spear in his hand. Even as Japan was adopting western customs and conforming into the modern era. There are many documented stories of Sokaku fighting bandits, Yakuza martial arts masters, as well as many other adventures. Sokaku is a very interesting man to read about.

Morihei Ueshiba also known as O Sensei met Takeda Sokaku at Hokkaido in 1914 and was so enthralled with his skill that he dropped everything to become his student. After several years he became Sokaku’s greatest student. After the death of his father Ueshiba became involved with the Omoto Kiyo religion and this was the beginning of a rift between Sokaku and Ueshiba. After this Ueshiba had many adventures, accomplished many amazing feats and had several instances of enlightenment. That led to create Aikido the way of harmony.

I just gave a very very brief history of Aikido I could go on and on but it’s getting late. Aikido is a wonderful martial art and I highly recommend it. If you are further interested in Aikido I recommend that you read Aikido the dynamic sphere, Gozo Shioda’s Shugyo and a life in aikido. You may also like to watch this documentary on you tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4gTZjSqJc). If you have any more questions just ask and I will try my best to help

AikidoBro : thank you, yes very helpful

Glad to help.

AikidoBro : Will watch the video link too, thanks.

I chose Karate instead of Aikido as a kid. Other than that, I guess AikidoBro pretty much covered it all.

Brigand : Shotokan karate you try?

Totts :

I was very young at that time and I only achieved the yellow belt. All I remember it was the one where you kept your legs wider apart, kind of like horseback riding. I quit because me and my family moved away and there were no karate clubs teaching this style so I would have had to start over and when you are I elementary school, a whole year seems like forever.

I would appreciate  if somebody could tell me which style it was that I learned. It was over 20 years ago.

"Akido" Is an "Off Shoot" of "Judo" Witch is derived From "Jujitsu".
Most of those arts employ leverage witch is akin to the study of physics.
A shorter person versus a larger person can throw the larger person with the force of a bowling ball being dropped from a house. Similar words will be used with the strikes when you are taught them.
Then there are the sword Techniques. Pay close attention due to the fact that no one carries a long knife any more.
These moves were intended to protect an entire village from the next skilled warrior. (Peace keeping was always a "full time job.")
Enjoy the new abilities when you are granted them.
Listen to your instructor.
And Please pay them the utmost respect.
They have had to work very hard to make a living these days.
Kids are more into Technology than Ability Today.
It is a shame due to all the potential they possess.

Good Luck.
Peace.

While Orionfoxgibson makes some good points, Aikido is not an off shoot of Judo. Judo was founded by Jigoro Kano, and primarily combined the throwing techniques of the Kit?-ry? and the choking and locking techniques of the Tenjin Shin'y?-ry?. While Aikido is almost exclusively inspired by Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu and several weapon systems. It is true that Morihei Ueshiba studied Judo, Sumo, Tenjin Shin'y?-ry? and several other martial arts in his youth. But Ueshiba himself said that Aikido and Judo are incompatible, not only on a technical stand point, but more importantly on a philosophical basis. O Sensei was very much against the idea of competition as a means to self-growth, because as it may be a means to technical competence and self-confidence. It also has a tendency to bloat the ego, to bring about a sense of false pride, and this can cause conflict and division.

But on the contraire upon first witnessing Aikido Jigoro Kano said that Aikido was the true Judo and sent several of his students to learn Aikido. Among them was Kenji Tomiki the founder of Shotokan Aikido also known as Tomiki Sport Aikido and as the name implies competition was at its core. Tomiki believed as his original master Jigoro Kano believed that competition was essential to the development of individuals. This emphasis on competition created a rift between O Sensei and Tomiki sensei that can still be felt to this day. So while it can be said that Aikido and Judo both come from kobudo (the old systems), it cannot be said that Aikido is an offshoot of Judo.

Also while the sword is not as commonly used in modern times, Aikido and Daito Ryu’s, tai sabaki (body movement), ashi sabaki (foot movement) and te sabaki (hand movement) are rooted in sword technique. As this video demonstrates (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyO-jptgjx8).

Also do not think that O Sensei’s disapproval of competition means that he never faced conflict or that he ever turned down a challenge. O Sensei’s life was an amazing adventure. Well it’s getting late again, I hope this helped you in your journey

aikido bro pretty much covered it.  To give you a different dimension aikido is a martial arts centered around the practice of Ki.  It can be used as a vehicle to enlightenment, it is about the unification of the mind, body and spirit with that of the universal spirit energy.

physically it appears yielding and defensive, filled with reversal techniques-though if you understand the movements there ARE strikes in there, but the intention isn't Offensive it is a very defensive art.

the source of an aikidoists power is their spirit, their reflexes, and their core body control/strength.

Ueshiba was said to be so strong that he could knock people over using just his Ki without directly touching the body, when asked by his students why they couldn't do it he informed them he had a better understanding of the differences between yin and yang.