Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art that was founded during the first half of the twentieth century. It was developed as a purely defensive martial art and contains few kicks or strikes. Rather, practitioners harness an attacker's momentum and turn it into a throw or a pin. Further control over an opponent is gained through locks or joint manipulation. By practicing both the role of the attacker and the defender, as well as doing one-person exercises, students gain greater balance, stability, efficiency of movement and better posture.
Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido, more commonly known in North America as Ki Aikido, translates as "aikido with mind and body unified." Believing that mind leads body, it teaches Ki Development in addition to the throwing arts of Aikido.
Ki -- a Japanese word that is typically defined as mind, spirit or heart -- refers to a subtle form of vital energy. Ki, like any physical muscle, can be strengthened through meditation and breathing exercises, and progress can be tested through Ki tests. Ki Development teaches practitioners how to better relax, gain confidence, relieve stress and achieve an inner calm.