Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that is practiced in around 140 countries. It is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint-locking, striking, and pinning techniques, coupled with training in traditional Japanese weapons such as the sword, staff, and knife. Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early twentieth century following his own extensive study of various armed and unarmed martial systems.

The study of ki, which refers to "life energy," is an important component of aikido. Ki has many meanings, including "ambience," "mind," "mood," or "intention and action," and it is often referred to in its more general terminology as "life energy". Koichi Toheis Ki Society centers almost exclusively around the study of the empirical experience of ki, with students proficiency in aikido techniques and ki development ranked separately.

Aikido is generally encompassed as a defensive martial art and is not intended to work as an aggressive application of these martial techniques. It is a very effective martial art for self-defense, not only because it teaches us how to defend against a variety of attacks, but because it also trains our state of mind and physical condition. Improved posture and breathing help us to fit better into our bodies, and a positive state of mind affects how we move in the world and how we are perceived by others.

Translated as "the way of harmony" or "the way of peace," Aikido seeks to unite body, mind, and spirit with the universal forces of nature. Through Aikido, practitioners can move beyond the duality of winning and losing, reaching a deeper understanding of themselves and others.