Traditional Aikido is non-competitive and promotions do not come through besting an opponent, but through demonstrating comprehension of basic techniques and exercises, which eventually become more demanding or hard as rank increases.

In Aikido we attempt to work in cooperation with a partner, still using effective technique against an energetic and realistic assault, yet doing this by mixing with the attack and redirecting its own energy back to the attacker. We practice methods against a number of attacks such as kicks, punches, strikes, single-hand or two-hand grabs in front or back, chokes, multiple person strikes, and attacks with weapons. In all these we strive to resolve the conflict at a non-lethal, non-disruptive, yet effective method.

Techniques may wind in joint locks or immobilizations, or in dynamic moves at which the attacker is thrown forward or backward across the mat, or through the air to some spectacular breakfall. Rather than primarily linear moves, Aikido is comprised of mixing, turning, pivoting, circling, and spiraling. We're learning to deal not only with our own energy, but with that of a person or another person (or individuals ) too.

Aikido embodies concepts that are at precisely the same time very easy, yet very intricate. Due to these and other gaps, Aikido can be quite challenging to learn, yet at precisely the same time can be quite rewarding because it's ultimately bringing us to harmony with ourselves and with our planet, and helping us to become more complete and integrated human beings.

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