Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba founded a martial art that could be applied to the modern world, while inheriting and keeping the spiritual and martial tradition of ancient Japan, as taught to him by Sensei Takeda Sōkaku through Daitō Ryū Aikijūjutsu. According to the founder, Aikido’s purpose is expressed in the unification of the universal creative principle (known as “Ki”) with the individual Ki, which is inseparable from the power of breathing.

The literal translation of Aikido means “the way of Ki harmony".

Sensei Koichi Tohei - a student of Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba and the only one who received his 10th Dan from the martial art’s founder - during his travels to spread Aikido, understood that the techniques' power and effectiveness were based on the ability to steer the opponent’s Ki, and that this allowed him to move and act in a state of complete relaxation.

Moreover, Sensei Koichi Tohei also understood that in order to guide someone’s Ki, one needs to first control their own mind. He also realised that mind-body unification must be one of Aikido’s founding principles.

These are Aikido’s pillars: possessing a calm mind and acting in a state of complete relaxation.

After Ōsensei Morihei Ueshiba’s passing, Sensei Koichi Tohei founded  the Ki Society and his own style: Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido or Ki Aikido (Aikido with mind-body unification), developing a research work on Ki’s principles and on their application in Aikido techniques.

Doshu Kenjiro Yoshigasaki  started practising Aikido as a young boy, in 1973 he became an Aikido instructor. From 1977 he was sent by Sensei Koichi Tohei to teach Ki Aikido in Europe, South Africa, and South America; overseeing throughout the years 120 dojos and 4,000 students. Upon the death of Sensei Koichi Tohei, Doshu Kenjiro Yoshigasaki founded the Ki No Kenkyukai International, with an in-depth study of Ki, giving rise to a new method in both Aikido techniques and daily life.

This art form moulds both mind and body and allows us to find harmony in life. Living in an increasingly stressful world, we offer calmness and balance. Aikido is a useful tool to remain present and concentrated, even when we find ourselves in the eye of the storm. Aikido focuses on internal growth, rather than improving one’s physical appearance. This developed self-awareness is the driving force that empowers us to make the best decisions in stressful environments when needed.