Originally martial arts were a system of combat training recorded in
murals and documents and studied over time. Nowadays you have people
using martial arts for various purposes including self-defense,
physical well-being and exercise. In terms of the different existing
martial arts, there is one that's differs from the rest in the way
that it is applied. This martial art emphasizes the use of a passive
approach in order to counter brute force. The essence of Aikido is to
cultivate a mien of relaxation and serenity in normal life. The
ability to use these techniques in combat is also part of the
training that Aikido offers its students. Aikido is quite modern
though and has its origins in Japan where it was founded sometime in
the second decade of the early 20th century. One thing to be
considered about this martial art is that the Aikido spirit is
engendered in students so these students benefit from a spiritual and
philosophical development all at the same time. All this becomes part
of the foundations of the combative art of Aikido. Currently people
who practice Aikido will tell you that the art affects every aspect
of their lives from seemingly unrelated activities such as gardening
to others like cooking. This forms a link between the way of life and
the combative training that takes place in the dojo....

http://groups.msn.com/martialartsqen