Many combative arts are to be found around the world, differing widely in style and structure, but alike in defending by counter-attacking. Common examples include karate, kung fu, boxing, and taekwondo. All require significant degrees of speed, strength and power to disable an attacker. All can be used aggressively against someone who is not attacking.

Aikido is unique among martial arts in defending by blending. By blending, one moves in harmony with the attack instead of trying to resist or oppose it; speed, strength and power are kept to a minimum, replaced with timing and subtle technique that "steers" the attackers power. There is no way to attack another person with Aikido techniques or strategies.

When skillfully applied, neither the defender nor the attacker are hurt; rather the conflict is brought quickly to a resolution so that the party initiating force gains a new opportunity to be reasonable. Aikido is difficult to learn, but also a great deal of fun and good exercise as well. It holds little attraction for "macho" types who are eager to impress others or to exert coercive power.

Aikido levels the playing field considerably for defenders of less than athletic prowess; it is productive rather than destructive in application; and it attempts to replace force and agression with civilized interaction. One could not ask for a more rational self-defense.

For further information about Aikido and links to relevant sites, click here.