A defensive Samurai art, Aikido (“way of harmonizing energy”) originated in Japan in the 19th century. Its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883, devoting himself to martial arts as a way to protect his father from political violence. He received certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting, bringing his knowledge together to create Aikido.

According to the founder's philosophy, the primary goal in the practice of aikido is to overcome oneself instead of cultivating violence or aggressiveness. Morihei Ueshiba used the phrase masakatsu agatsu katsuhayabi" (正勝吾勝勝速日, "true victory, final victory over oneself, here and now") to refer to this principle.

Mastering one's mind and body are key principles of Aikido, while the development of courtesy and respect are integral to its teachings. By using an attacker's strength and momentum against them, or using pressure on vital nerves to cause pain, the goals of Aikido are to subdue an attacker rather than to maim or kill.