These are your toys.
Batteries not included.
             – Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei


When teaching a seminar years ago, Ikeda Sensei said this regarding the waza that he was teaching. Techniques without the right energy are like toys without batteries— you can play with them, but they are not as much fun and don't reach their potential. We must delve deep within ourselves during our training to find the right energy, attitude and feeling to bring the techniques to life, make them useful and enjoy them.

Regardless of how quickly an opponent attacks or how slowly I respond, I cannot be defeated.  It is not that my techniques are faster than those of my opponent.  It has nothing to do with speed or slowness.  I am victorious right from the start.  As soon as the thought of attack crosses my opponent’s mind, he shatters the harmony of the universe and is instantly defeated regardless of how quickly he attacks.  Victory or defeat is not a matter of time or space.

                     – Ueshiba Morihei Osensei, Founder of Aikido

勝速日、​Katsu Hayabi
(calligraphy composed by Ryoichi Kinoshita)

Aiki means "to live together in harmony," in a state of mutual accord.  Aiki is the ultimate social virtue.  It is the power of reconciliation, the power of love.
                    –Ueshiba Morihei Osensei, Aikido Founder