Aikido, Japanese aikidō (“way of harmonizing energy”), martial art and
self-defense system that resembles the fighting methods jujitsu and judo
in its use of twisting and throwing techniques and in its aim of turning
an attacker’s strength and momentum against himself. Pressure on vital
nerve centres is also used. Aikido practitioners train to subdue, rather
than maim or kill, but many of its movements can nevertheless be deadly.
Aikido especially emphasizes the importance of achieving complete mental
calm and control of one’s own body to master an opponent’s attack. As in
other martial arts, the development of courtesy and respect is an
integral part of aikido training.