How is aikido different than other martial arts?

First and foremost, aikido is not a sport!

A major distinguishing characteristic of Aikido from other martial arts is it has no competitions, tournaments, contests, or "sparring."

Rather, aikido techniques are learned cooperatively at a pace commensurate with the abilities of each student, with an emphasis on nonviolence.

According to the founder, the goal of aikido is not the defeat of others, but the defeat of the negative characteristics which inhabit your own mind and inhibit its functioning.

At the same time, the potential of aikido as a means of self-defense should not

be ignored. One important reason for the prohibition of competition in aikido is that many aikido techniques would have to be eliminated from class practice because of their potential to cause serious injury.

At Rockford Aikido we train to better ourselves without belittling others. By training cooperatively, even potentially lethal techniques can be practiced without substantial risk. And, since Aikido seeks not to cause harm, techniques can be practiced eventually at full power without fear of injury.

Aikido theory is both simple and complex. There is always some new facet to be gleaned and polished by practicing the same techniques with infinite variety and combinations, over and over, and over and over again.

It must be emphasized that there are no shortcuts to proficiency in aikido (or in anything else worthwhile, for that matter). Consequently, attaining proficiency in aikido is simply a matter of sustained and dedicated training. No one becomes an expert in just a few months or years.

When practiced diligently and sincerely with a focus on its original martial background and intention, it can be one of the most effective means of self defense ever devised.