Exploring Aikido: History and Styles of the Art
Some things you learn. Others, you live. Aikido is unmistakably one of the latter. It is more than just a martial art — it’s a path of personal growth, a lifelong practice that seeks harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
The Origins: Morihei Ueshiba and the Birth of Aikido
Aikido was created in early 20th century Japan by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), known by practitioners as Ōsensei (“Great Teacher”). After years of studying traditional martial arts such as Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, Ueshiba formed a radically different approach.
For him, martial training wasn’t about defeating others — it was about cultivating inner peace and becoming one with the universe. “Aikido is love,” he would say. His vision transformed combat into a graceful, flowing art of redirection and balance.
Styles and Schools: The Many Paths of Aikido
Aikikai Hombu Dojo
Today, the main school of Aikido is Aikikai, headquartered in Tokyo and led by the Ueshiba family. It remains the most widely practiced form globally and aims to preserve Ōsensei’s original teachings.
Iwama Ryu
Iwama Ryu, developed by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba’s closest students, emphasizes the integration of weapon work — bokken and jo — into Aikido practice. At YariNoHanzo, we proudly offer a wide range of traditional weapons crafted specifically for this style.
Ki Aikido
Founded by Koichi Tohei, Ki Aikido places strong emphasis on internal energy (Ki), breathing, and mental coordination. Movements are subtle, focused on non-resistance and natural flow.
Other Styles and Legendary Teachers
Aikido has also evolved into schools like Yoshinkan (a more martial, structured style), and benefited from the contributions of great Japanese masters such as Gozo Shioda, Hiroshi Tada, Shoji Nishio, and many more.
Weapons in Aikido: Extensions of the Body
Weapons training in Aikido — bokken, jo, tanto — is not about aggression. It’s about refining your awareness, timing, and distance. The bokken becomes an extension of your center; the jo, a rhythm of movement.
At YariNoHanzo, we offer bokken crafted from a variety of premium woods, from traditional beech wood to woods like ash wood. We also provide finely polished jo, handcrafted tanto, and a full range of weapon bags for elegant, durable transport.
Aikido Attire: Discipline in Every Detail
Wearing a proper aikidogi and hakama is not just about uniformity — it’s a gesture of respect. It reflects your mindset, discipline, and care for tradition. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned aikidoka, YariNoHanzo offers high-quality uniforms, including nobakama with traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Aikido Today: The Past in Motion
Aikido is not just an art — it’s a way of life. It is a moving tradition, constantly growing while staying rooted in its values: harmony, presence, and transformation.
Every movement on the tatami is a dialogue between past and present. And every tool we use — from a wooden sword to a fold of cloth — carries part of that story. At YariNoHanzo, we are honored to craft not just products, but instruments of tradition, designed for those walking the Way.