Aikido is a japanese martial art developed earlier this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883 ~ 1969). Physically, it is an art involving various throws, joint locks and other techniques from other forms of martial arts. However, Aikido is one of the more spiritual martial arts. It does not focus on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you.