Legal note: Quote from "Aikido" book is presented here with a permission of Mr. Moriteru Ueshiba, Chaiman of Aikikai Foundation. All authority on this information belongs to the author of the book Mr. Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

AIKIDO AND OTHER BUDO         "What is the difference between Aikido and judo? And how about karate?" These questions are always asked during Aikido demonstrations. When you read the section on techniques you will learn the details.
     Generally speaking, however, we can say that judo employs techniques of holding at the sleeves or collar, and takes advantage of a chance to throw the opponent. On the contrary, in Aikido the moment of contact is the decisive time for action. At first we stand apart, spacing ourselves and responding supplely to the opponent's movements with Aikido techniques. Here there is no grappling or jostling with each other. It is possible to see a greater difference when compared with karate. The movements of karate, in general, can be resolved to thrusting and kicking. Hence most of the movements seem to be in straight lines, although some circular movements are included. Aikido has thrusting and kicking also, but its movements vary. The essence of Aikido techniques lies in complete circular and spherical motion. Straight movements in Aikido are rare.
     Movements which are common to those of Aikido are more easily found in Japanese swordsmanship rather than in judo or karate. Although Aikido appears very different from swordwork, its movements are all based on those of the sword. It will be easier to explain the techniques of Aikido from the rationale of swordsmanship than from that of other arts. The Founder always stated: "Those who study Aikido, if holding a sword, must maneuver according to the techniques of Aikido swordwork, and if holding a stick, according to the techniques of Aiki stick action. A sword or a staff is an extension of the body. So unless you can handle it as if it were alive, you have not studied true Aikido."         The way of training in Aikido shares something in common with swordwork. In sword use, from the beginning of the fight to the end. there is always a distance of about two meters between the opponents. In Aikido, although you are not holding swords, you check the opponent at the moment the spacing becomes advantageous for you, Handling the sword in Aikido is based on the technique of advancing the whole body in an oblique form; this is somewhat different from the techniques of modern Japanese sport kendo.         As explained before, the Founder studied various kinds of budo; it is natural that they were adapted into the techniques of Aikido. But because the Founder acquired something beyond them, the essence of Aikido differs from that of other arts.         Occasionally the training of Aikido is misunderstood as simply being the training of forms (kata). But the variations of Aikido techniques are too numerous to be considered as such. If Aikido is practiced as mere form the essence of Aikido - "the movement of Nature is the movement of ourselves" - can not be reached.   The Founder therefore said: "There is no form and no style in Aikido. The movement of Aikido is the movement of Nature - whose secret is profound and infinite." So it is essentially different from some of the other budo which cling only to forms. When we use the word "form," we mean that the techniques of Aikido are a series of endless spiritual forms. They are unified so closely with each other that they cannot be divided. This is beyond the concept of "form" in the conventional sense. The techniques of Aikido, as we can therefore see, are different from those of judo, kendo or karate, but its spirit is in accord with the secrets of these other arts.   DYNAMIC SURVEY OF AIKIDO            The techniques of Aikido are rationally structured from a dynamic viewpoint. They may be outlined as follows,
      The human body, in motion, becomes like a spinning top. When not in motion the body is in the stable posture of an equilateral tetrahedron. This triangle-stance is the ideal posture from which to start the techniques of Aikido. When the movement begins the body becomes like a spinning top. In this sense the techniques of Aikido should reach a state in which you can change the opponent's CENTRUM by your own spherical motion which revolves around your CENTRUM. Thus you maneuver and spin off your opponent with your motion.
     There is an old saying preserving a secret of jujutsu, "Push when pulled, and pull when pushed." It is clear from the following odes how the founders of the old jujutsu ryu taxed their ingenuity:   Softness is the mind of a willow   Which turns the force of the wind against itself.   If suppleness and strength Were the essence of force,   Instruction would be much easier.   Suppleness is the way to be strong;   Learn, thus, its exquisite utility.        These odes illustrate the principle of suppleness. Jujutsu literally means "the techniques of suppleness," while judo means "the Way of suppleness".         When the same concepts are explained by the principle of Aikido, it is, "TURN when pushed, and ENTER when pulled." (See section on techniques.) This circular motion is different from the straight movements of jujutsu. It has more variety. When it is fully utilized in budo, it leads to another more effective area. This is the development of spherical motions which consist of centrifugal and centripetal forces.
      For this reason you and the opponent are not in dualistic opposition in Aikido but are one unit in which both are under your control. Both are completely controlled by the centrifugal force away from you and the centripetal force toward you. When such a spherical motion is continued as a systematic unity, the graceful rhythm and circular movement unique to Aikido appear. For example, the force which is used in the ENTERING THROW checks the opponent's right hand with your HANDBLADE from a RIGHT-OBLIQUE POSTURE, flowing off his KI as you enter on your left foot to his right side. You continue turning your body rightward on your left foot in a sweeping motion to unbalance his body, and then, changing your body leftward, you enter again on the right foot. When this kind of powerful, continuous and spherical motion is carried out by every part of the body, the force of individual parts is joined together and executed systematically in natural, circular, spherical, and spiral-like ways. The rotation must be flexible and accurate, with a stable rock-like balance serving as the center. It is like a windmill which responds to a slight wind - even one which normally could not be felt by a human body -- and keeps rotating. Or it is like a top whose force of rotation extends to every part yet simultaneously concentrates and stabilizes its mass around the axis, supporting it - the top therefore maintains its balance. By this action it spins off or draws in everything it touches. Similar examples in natural phenomena are powerful whirlwinds and whirlpools. For these reasons it can be more easily understood why Aiki techniques of leading and throwing are based on movement from the hips. The Opponent is involved in this action of centrifugal and centripetal forces which you execute and is therefore placed in an unstable situation. He finds himself turning around the outer circle of your top-like movement. This puts her into a "state of having an unstable body position." For example, in the CORNER DROP, as soon as you have your left wrist grasped by the opponent's right hand, you stretch out your left hand powerfully to his right rear corner and stop his right foot with your right hand. This prevents the movement of the opponent's CENTRUM. When his right hand is pulled to his right rear while his CENTRUM is stopped, his form becomes unstable and he falls. The opponent, in actuality, is moving around the outer circle of your CENTRUM, and hence is unstable. When we analyze this motion and observe body positions and relationships of force, we know that the forces of the techniques are delicately worked out and related. Another example is seen in the WRIST IN - TURN or NIKYO. You hold the opponent's wrist while you are constantly turning around your center. Consequently he moves around your outer circle with his body unbalanced. His wrist is bent toward the "direction of natural bending," thus he moves in the same direction. Most of the joint techniques of Aikido employ the moving of joints in the direction in which they bend naturally. It is different from ordinary reversal techniques, which hurt the joints by turning them in a direction counter to natural bending. These "natural bending" techniques are used because the principles of circular and spherical motion are rationally utilized in Aikido. When we observed the Founder in action and considered these force relationships, we saw that the movement of his hands and feet traced spherical shapes as his motion accelerated around his stable hips. When holding a stick, his body and the stick took on the appearance of a spherical body. The stick looked almost as if it were alive. Thus when we train ourselves in Aikido we must study technique in order to be like a pyramid (equilateral tetrahedron) when not in motion, and to become like a spherical body when moving. The spherical body must be versatile, keeping its power contained, harmonizing the centrifugal and centripetal forces, just as a rubber ball rolls down a slope, lively bouncing no matter how bumpy the slope may be. These kinds of force relationships are worth studying further from the standpoint of Aiki Dynamics, but in training ourselves we should learn the state of "nomind," and not be shackled with the analysis of theories.   AIKIDO AND HEALTH   Most budo originated from a kind of physical training program, developed into self-defense arts, and then were refined into budo.       A physical fitness program may be compared to preventive medicine programs. If we move our body adequately and if the movement agrees with Universal Nature, we will have a well-conditioned body and will not be affected by disease. Among the excellent warriors of whom we have heard, longevity is an outstanding characteristic. That they have practiced physical fitness during their training in budo certainly is related to this longevity.
      When we consider various physical fitness programs we will soon discover the value of Aikido. The movements of Aikido agree with the laws of Universal Nature which include a flowing flexibility and the keeping of a stable CENTRUM. The aim of Aikidoists is to be one with the Universe, in complete self-control . When we have self-control, we also have a posture which is completely alert. By exercising our whole body we approach improved health. Dr. Katsuzo Nishi, a man famous for his health-improvement theories says: "When we watch people involved in Aikido, we see that their stance is like an equilateral tetrahedron. We watch them begin the characteristic spherical rotation. They change in various ways,extending and drawing, without losing their centered balance. Theirs are completely controlled figures. When the body is controlled, it is most healthy."      This is the type of body we see when skilled Aikidoists are in action. The continuous and flexible motion based at the hips is like the performing of a dance. It is a graceful spherical motion. Observing such finger, wrist, foot and hip movements, all coordinated with the breath, we see that they agree with physical improvement ideals. The movements of every part of the body are unified into a systematically controlled whole.
     First, BREATH POWER, which is the basic resilient power of Aikido, is extended from the CENTRUM. This naturally relaxes one's strength, which has stiffened various parts of the body. It becomes the basis of constructing a flexible but stable posture for both young and old.
      Secondly, some cases have shown that spherical motion based on the hips, when it is executed with a stable posture, is helpful for correcting bone structures, especially the spinal column. For example, those who had drooping shoulders and bent spinal columns as a result of previous illnesses found their condition completely corrected after a year of adequate Aikido exercise.
      Thirdly, the delicate movements of Aikido help accelerate blood circulation at every joint of the body and give adequate stimulation to some inner muscles which are not generally used. For example, when KNEE WALKING, the toes are necessarily moved and bent. Since most people in our modern age wear shoes, the exercise of such understimulated muscles will be beneficial for good health.
      The basic PINNING TECHNIQUES; the First, Second and Third Teachings; all give impulse to the inner muscles. Skilled Aikido trainees' deep and subsurface muscles are well developed, and as elastic as a rubber ball. The Founder said that the joint exercises in the PINNING TECHNIQUES are to remove the "dust" which has accumulated around the joints.
      In Aikido, techniques related to individual parts of the body are necessarily related to the whole. There are no radical techniques which use strength suddenly, or immediately cease using power. The spirit fills the whole body from head to toe in every case. Here lies the secret of Aikido in preserving a healthy body.
      To exercise the body in this way, with adequate moderation, will no doubt lead to better health. It should be understood, however, that Aikido is budo and not a physical fitness program. Aikido improves health only as a result of its practice as budo.   RULES DURING PRACTICE   At the Headquarters' Dojo in Tokyo the following RULES DURING PRACTICE are posted for all to see and learn:       1) One blow in Aikido is capable of killing an opponent. In practice, obey your instructor, and do not make the practice period a time for needless testing of strength.
      2) Aikido is an art in which one person learns to face many opponents simultaneously. It therefore requires that you polish and perfect your execution of each movement so that you can take on not only the one directly before you but also those approaching from every direction.
      3) Practice at all times with a feeling of pleasurable exhilaration.
 
      4) The teachings of your instructor constitute only a small fraction of what you will learn. Your mastery of each movement will depend almost entirely on individual, earnest practice.
      5) Daily practice begins with light movements of the body, gradually increasing in intensity and strength; but there must be no over-exertion. That is why even an elderly person can continue to practice with pleasure and without bodily harm; and why he will attain the goal of his training.
       6) The purpose of Aikido is to train both body and mind and to make a person sincere. All Aikido arts are secret in nature and are not to be revealed publicly, nor taught to hoodlums who will use them for evil purposes.
      First it is proper to obey the instructor and remember his instructions; rise above yourself. No matter how much you  may study, if you cling to yourself you will not develop your ability.
      Secondly, budo is for countering any attack from any direction at any time. When you are merely ready for only one opponent, without being prepared for others, it will be only a common fight. A tight, on-guard posture with an immovable spirit is the basis of every exercise in budo. People generally say, "That man behaves irreproachably," or "An excellent artist is completely on guard." Those who study Aikido should thus spend their daily life thoroughly on guard, even if they are not consciously watching every direction around them.
       Thirdly, it is fairly painful to keep on studying earnestly. But if you keep up the discipline of budo without tiring, you will at last reach a really enjoyable stage. Some people misunderstand that it is best to suffer while studying, but real study is pleasant at all times. Concentrating ourselves, not having any harmful experiences, we are able to enjoy our practice sessions.
        The forth rule relates to the assimilation of techniques. Aikido has a few thousand variations in its techniques. Some students are apt to chase after an accumulation of quantity rather than quality. However when they look back on themselves, they are sorry to learn that they have gained nothing. Soon they lose interest. As innumerable variations of each technique are possible we instructors always emphasize the significance of "repetition" to beginners. When you practice each basic technique, over and over again, you master it and then are able to use the variations.
        When the Founder first came to Tokyo, among his earnest students was Admiral Isamu Takeshita. He wrote down all the techniques that he learned under the Founder. They amounted to more than two thousand, and yet there were more. He was deadlocked, finding that he could do none of them well. After careful consideration over several days, he understood the meaning of the Founder's advice "You should study, using the sitting exercises as your base." He practiced it and then at last became able to manage the techniques so well that he could acquire others which he had not yet been taught by his instructor. For an elderly man of sixty years, it is the same: repetition of the basics is the secret of improvement, no matter how awkward or unskillful one may be.
        The fifth rule is not to contradict nature. Excessiveness is to be avoided in anything. Moderation is the key. No matter how little the excess is, the whole posture and the condition of the body will be unbalanced.
        Young, lively students are apt to have the idea that they will not be strong unless they force their power. This is not true. Natural practice creates true strength. For this reason, it was possible for Dr. Niki, a man more than eighty years old, to practice Aikido.
        Lastly, the aim of Aikido is not to merely produce a strong body but to create an integrated person. Any educated person knows how brute strength is meaningless in our present-day advanced civilization. For this reason the Founder forbade Aikido to be misused and severely cautioned everyone. He would not permit the publication of his art's techniques and required introductions and guarantees for each student.
        In summary, those who wish to study Aikido should have a righteous and fair mind, obey their instructors, and study naturally. As a matter of consequence, their techniques will be skillfully cultivated in such an atmosphere and a noble character will be created. WORDS OF THE FOUNDER   As ai (harmony) is common with ai (love), I decided to name my unique budo "Aikido," although the word "aiki" is an old one. The word as it was used by the warriors in the past is fundamentally different from mine.   Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat the enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.   The secret of Aikido is to harmonize ourselves with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself. He who has gained the secret of Aikido has the universe in himself and can say, "I am the universe."   I am never defeated, however fast the enemy may attack. It is not because my technique is faster than that of the enemy. It is not a question of speed. The fight is finished before it is begun.   When an enemy tries to fight with me, the universe itself, he has to break the harmony of the universe. Hence at the moment he has the mind to fight with me, he is already defeated. There exists no measure of time - fast or slow.   Aikido is non-resistance. As it is non-resistant, it is always victorious.   Those who have a warped mind, a mind of discord, have been defeated from the beginning.   Then, how can you straighten your warped mind, purify your heart, and be harmonized with the activities of all things in Nature? You should first make God's heart yours. It is a Great Love, Omnipresent   in all quarters and in all times of the universe. "There is no discord in love. There is no enemy of love." A mind of discord, thinking of the existence of an enemy, is no longer consistent with the will of God.   Those who do not agree with this cannot be in harmony with the universe. Their budo is that of destruction. It is not constructive budo.   Therefore to compete in techniques, winning and losing, is not true budo. True budo knows no defeat. "Never defeated" means "never fighting."   Winning means winning over the mind of discord in yourself. This is to accomplish your bestowed mission.   This is not mere theory. You practice it. Then you will accept the great power of oneness with Nature.   Don't look at the opponent's eyes, or your mind will be drawn into his eyes. Don't look at his sword, or you will be slain with his sword. Don't look at him, or your spirit will be distracted. True budo is the cultivation of attraction with which to draw the whole opponent to you. All I have to do is to keep standing this way.   Even standing with my back toward the opponent is enough. When he attacks, hitting, he will injure himself with his own intention to hit. I am one with the universe and I am nothing else. When I stand, he will be drawn to me. There is no time and space before Ueshiba of Aikido - only the universe as it is.   There is no enemy for Ueshiba of Aikido. You are mistaken if you think that budo means to have opponents and enemies and to be strong and fell them. There are neither opponent ' s nor enemies for true budo. True budo is to be one with the universe; tha t is, to be united with the Center of the universe.   A mind to serve for the peace of all human beings in the world is needed in Aikido, and not the mind of one who wishes to be strong or who practices only to fell an opponent.   When anybody asks if my Aiki budo principles are taken from religion, I say, "No." My true budo principles enlighten religions and lead them to completion.   I am calm however and whenever I am attacked. I have no attachment to life or death. I leave everything as it is to God. Be apart from attachment to life and death and have a mind which leaves everything to Him, not only when you are being attacked but also in your daily lives.   True budo is a work of love. It is a work of giving life to all beings, and not killing or struggling with each other. Love is the guardian deity of everything. Nothing can exist without it, Aikido is the realization of love,   I do not make a companion of men. Whom, then, do I make a companion of? God. This world is not going well because people make companions of each other, saying and doing foolish things. Good and evil beings are all one united family in the world. Aikido leaves out any attachment; Aikido does not call relative affairs good or evil. Aikido keeps all beings in constant growth and development and serves for the completion of the universe.   In Aikido we control the opponent's mind before we face him. That is we draw him into ourselves. We go forward in life with this attraction of our spirit, and attempt to command a whole view of the world.   We ceaselessly pray that fights should not occur. For this reason we strictly prohibit matches in Aikido. Aikido's spirit is that of loving attack and that of peaceful reconciliation. In this aim we bind and unite the opponents with the will power of l ove. By love we are able to purify others.   Understand Aikido first as budo and then as a way of service to construct the World Family. Aikido is not for a single country or anyone in particular, Its only purpose is to perform the work of God.   True budo is the loving protection of all beings with a spirit of reconciliation. Reconciliation means to allow the completion of everyone's mission.   The "Way" means to be one with the Will of God and practice it. If we are even slightly apart from it, it is no longer the Way.   We can say that Aikido is a way to sweep away devils with the sincerity of our BREATH instead of a sword. That is to say, to turn the devil minded world into the World of Spirit. This is the mission of Aikido. The devil-mind will go down in defeat and the Spirit rise up in victor)'.   Then Aikido will bear fruit in this world.   Without budo a nation goes to ruin, because budo is the life of loving protection and the source of the activities of science.   Those who seek to study Aikido should open their minds, Listen to the sincerity of God through Aiki, and practice it. You should understand the great ablution of Aiki, practice it and improve without hindrance. Willingly begin the cultivation of your s pirit.   I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido. It is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind. This is Aikido. This is the mission of Aikido and this should be your mission,