Aikido is a modern Japanese Martial Art which belongs to the classical Budo Arts, and was developed at the beginning of the 20th Century by Morihei Ueshiba.

The goal of aikido is to ward off aggression in a harmonious way. The energy of the attacker is diverted so that the defender gains the advantage, unlike in many other martial arts where the offensive energy is blocked. The attacker is bought into a situation where he cannot attempt to attack again, but is also not unnecessarily hurt. Aikido is therefore often known and described as the harmonious or gentle Martial Art.

A distinction in aikido is that there are few attacking techniques, and a stronger emphasis on defence. Similarly, situations of rivalry and competition which in turn may provoke latent inner aggression, are avoided. Aikidokas therefore, train with a partner together and as equal, not in opposition. Competition is not a part of Aikido.

Yoshinkan is a style of aikido founded by Gozo Shioda, an early student of Morihei Ueshiba.

The difference between Yoshinkan and other aikido styles, is that it is strongly systematic in both the way it is learned and in the techniques that are applied.  Yoshinkan is centred on a series of basic movements (kihon), which contain the principles and movement patterns that constitute all other parts of training.  Body posture and precision play an important roll in Yoshinkan, advancing stability and effectivity. For this reason, Yoshinkan is a more physical and also 'harder'
style of aikido, and is learned in Japan by the police force as a self-defence martial art.