Why start practicing Aikido?

Aikido is a dynamic and versatile Japanese martial art with no sparring or competition. Instead, training is based on cooperation, mutual respect, and following the traditional dojo etiquette.

It helps you develop coordination, balance, and body awareness, without measuring progress through competition. Everyone improves at their own pace.

You can start alone, with a friend – or even join family aikido with your children.

In aikido, people of all ages, sizes, skill levels, and genders can train together, each according to their own abilities and needs.

Its dynamic and varied movements challenge both your body and your brain – you might even break a sweat just by thinking!

Read our guide on how to start aikido training  here.

You can also find more information about aikido in Finland on the Finnish Aikido Federation’s website, incFinnish Aikido Federation’s website inluding a beginners guide with useful tips for new practitioners.

Aikido as a Martial Art

Aikido is typically practiced in pairs, in a situation that resembles a confrontation where a physical threat is met with an aikido technique. The goal of the technique is to create control—not to harm the other person.

As a martial art, aikido teaches you to manage your personal space, understand distance and movement in relation to others, and stay aware of your position in a potential conflict.

Training is always cooperative. It’s like a conversation, where both partners learn from each other and together move the dialogue forward. Because of this approach, people of very different ages and sizes can train naturally together.

Aikido and Fitness

In aikido practice, techniques and exercises typically end either in a controlled fall or a pin on the ground. Getting back up engages all the major muscle groups, raises your heart rate, and works up a sweat—especially as you become more familiar with the movements and the intensity of practice increases.

An important part of training is learning safe and efficient falling techniques. Controlled falls either flow into a rolling movement, allowing you to return to your feet quickly, or end in a stable position on the ground. Both approaches strengthen the body and support healthy bones and joints.

Aikido and Mindfulness

In aikido, you don’t just practice physical techniques—such as movement, off-balancing, locks, and throws—but also cultivate mental qualities: presence, focus, and awareness of your surroundings.

Aikido uses the term zanshin to describe this state of continuous, unwavering alertness—being fully aware and impossible to surprise.

Every aikido practice is an opportunity to grow, learn, and help your training partners on their own journey. There is no competition or struggle against others; instead, training is based on positive interaction, where both partners learn from each other in every practice.